Informal care in the current context of Long-Term Health Care

ABSTRACT

The article’s objective is to examine the function of informal care services as a component of long-term health care (LTC) in Greece. In this context, the formal LTC services provided in Greece are mapped and studied in their full range, while informal care services are compared with their counterparts in European countries. The proposal further entails the establishment of a refined framework to facilitate informal care, by harmonizing with the practices, incentives and broader health policy of economically advanced European countries.

The results of the study can be summarised in the recognition of the expanded European provision of informal care services as part of LTC. This expansion can be attributed to the broader state planning in some European countries, as well as to the state financial and planning deficits (Greece). The changes that must occur clearly include the connection between informal care and the prevailing care system, as well as its systematic and formal incorporation into the Greek healthcare system, so that society’s requirements and European reform obligations will both be covered.

This will be achieved with a meticulously designed LTC system, which will serve to fortify the provision of informal care through educational, financial, social, and ethical support for informal caregivers.

Keywords: long-term care, informal caregivers, informal caregiving, palliative care, care unit, caregiver needs