Recognizing the central role of carers in delivering Integrated Care
Eurocarers participated in the ICIC24 conference in Belfast last April. The organiser published a blog post about the session our colleagues Giulia Lanfredi and Claire Champeix took part in:
Family carers care for loved ones including children and adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction. They provide continuity of care – physical, emotional, and medical support – within the home, while managing their own needs and the needs of the wider family.
Family carers are the backbone of care provision right across the globe and are often overlooked and undervalued. The current integrated care model, although mentions ‘families’ and informal care does not in practice include or support a family carer. Family carers play a crucial role in all 9 Pillars of the Integrated Care but in particular, Partners in Care and Shared Value and Vision.
Health problems trigger the need for caregiving, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and supports from health providers and integrated health and social care systems. These systems are critical elements in supporting caregivers, ensuring they have the resources to manage their caregiving responsibilities effectively. However, the role of the family carer is rarely recognised by health and care professionals, nor are they supported or encouraged to participate in care planning for the person they care for.
Carers continue to lack recognition for their role in the provision of care for their loved ones, particularly at critical points in discharge and transitions to continued support in the home. Discharge failure is often due to a breakdown in communication that involves a lack of involvement with the family carer or the individuals informal support team (family members, neighbours and friends), and connections between professionals and carers, as well as between hospitals and communities needs to be strengthened.
As health and care systems evolve towards more integrated and coordinated care, making family carers key partners will benefit the person they care for, policymakers, stakeholders, and healthcare professionals.
