Strengthening Support for Informal Caregivers. Recommendations for EU Member States

Population aging has intensified the global demand for care, exposing a significant gap in community-based support. Despite being fundamental pillars of integrated social and health assistance, informal caregivers currently lack a standardized European framework for their protection and support. This study aims to develop practical recommendations for EU Member States to establish policies that address the specific needs of informal caregivers, ensuring their well-being within national healthcare strategies. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. First, focus groups were conducted with 137 participants—including informal caregivers and key stakeholders in integrated care—across Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain to identify educational and informational needs. Subsequently, a panel of eight experts in nursing, palliative care, psychology, and health management translated these findings into actionable recommendations. This research was conducted under the EU-funded project “Cardiovascular Health Promotion: The Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality” (HaDEA). The study proposes a strategic framework for EU Member States to guide coherent, equitable, and sustainable interventions. The recommendations advocate for a comprehensive management model structured into three critical phases: 1. PREPARE: Equipping the community with foundational knowledge on informal care; 2. SUPPORT: Providing active assistance to caregivers during the caregiving process; 3. RECOVER: Offering support and reintegration after the loss of the care recipient. By integrating these dedicated actions into national prevention and health promotion policies, Member States can mitigate caregiving burden—a known risk factor for chronic diseases. This framework ensures the long-term sustainability of social and health systems while proactively protecting the health of the caregivers themselves.

Key messages

• EU states must protect informal caregivers to ensure sustainable and equitable healthcare systems.

• Supporting caregivers through Prepare, Support, and Recover phases prevents chronic disease risk.