Commission's Role in Preparation Process
In France, the lives of thousands of caregivers are deeply disrupted as they spend numerous hours caring for their loved ones. Approximately half of these caregivers dedicate more than 20 hours a week to caregiving tasks, a demanding commitment that often leads to chronic fatigue and emotional strain.
By 2030, one in four workers in France is expected to be a caregiver, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue. A majority of these caregivers are employees, juggling their professional and personal responsibilities.
The concern about supporting seniors and their caregivers during summer heatwaves is gaining attention. The issue of caregiver support is particularly important in the context of more frequent heatwaves during summer.
France is taking steps to support its caregivers. The legal obligation of support, known as "obligation alimentaire," requires close relatives, such as children and spouses, to provide support to elderly family members in need, implicitly including ensuring their well-being during stressful conditions like heatwaves.
Furthermore, France aligns with WHO Europe’s strategy to promote healthy ageing by ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term care for older people and their caregivers within integrated care systems. This approach aims to reduce caregiver burden by providing reliable support services and enabling caregivers to maintain their own health and emotional balance.
Psychoeducational interventions for caregivers are also being implemented. Programs such as structured psychoeducational group sessions have been piloted in France to help family caregivers manage the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, particularly during critical transitions. These interventions address caregiver fatigue and emotional drain by equipping them with coping strategies and peer support.
Though specific heatwave-targeted programs are not detailed, the existing frameworks emphasize supporting caregivers through legal duty, service provision, and targeted education to mitigate chronic fatigue, emotional stress, and health compromises. The integration of age-friendly policies and community support also contributes to protecting caregivers during extreme heat events.
It's worth noting that the age group most affected by this caregiving role is people aged 55 to 64. In France, 9.3 million people provide daily support to a relative with loss of autonomy or disability. Summer periods can be a challenging time for both seniors and their caregivers due to the heat.
Caregivers often compromise their own health, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. Nearly 40% of caregivers feel emotionally drained, and 30% of caregivers in France pass away before the person they're caring for.
The discussion about employment and working conditions is ongoing, but it's urgent to also support caregivers who face a double burden. By addressing the needs of caregivers comprehensively within the social and health systems, France aims to create a more supportive environment for those who dedicate their time and energy to caring for their loved ones.
- Mental health is a significant concern for caregivers in France, as nearly 40% of them feel emotionally drained due to their demanding responsibilities.
- To improve workplace wellness, France aligns with WHO Europe’s strategy to promote healthy aging, providing accessible and affordable long-term care for older people and their caregivers within integrated care systems.
- Employing fitness and exercise, along with health-and-wellness practices, can help caregivers in France maintain their own health and emotional balance, addressing issues like caregiver fatigue and emotional strain.
