During the period of informal care appreciation, we receive questions about “what exactly is informal care” and “when am I or am I not a informal caregiver?” Therefore, we would like to explain to you a bit more about informal care.
Informal care is the (unpaid) care you provide based on personal relationship with a loved one, think of a partner, parent or child, or perhaps a close friend. It involves long-term commitment; more than 8 hours per week and more than 3 months of care. This can include:
- Physical and practical care such as washing, dressing or arranging transportation to a hospital.
- Arranging tasks such as making appointments with caregivers or agencies.
- Mental support by being there, listening, structuring or reassuring.
- Translate and guide conversations or understanding information.
Even if you don't literally “care” every day, but do care about and for someone, for example, a partner with a mental illness who requires periodic support or a parent with memory problems, you are a caregiver.
The difference with volunteering concerns the personal relationship with your neighbor. You can start and stop volunteering whenever you want. There is often an expense allowance in return.
Do you receive a PGB for caring for your loved one? Often you are also caring a number of hours per week without getting paid for it. Those hours you are also a caregiver.
Once you (h)recognize yourself as a caregiver, then you can also take advantage of information, advice, support and the appreciation.
