Caring for Carers? The Effect of Public Subsidies on the Wellbeing of Unpaid Carers

How to support adult caregivers?

“…Work-related social networks can have an important influence on a caregiver's mental health and well-being. Hence, as these costs become more visible to individuals, an increased demand for formal care services such as home care or nursing home care can be expected, ultimately increasing long-term care spending [3], [4].…”

“…Furthermore, given the emotional connection between informal caregivers (e.g. children or spouse) and care receivers, the provision of care tends to be mentally stressful, and at times even physically exhausting, which can have a negative impact on employment activities, and as a result on productivity, as well as caregivers' well-being [3], [4]. In addition, changes in the supply of informal care can give rise to welfare claims, which deteriorate the social security balance sheet [5].…”

“…Subsidies and supports that provide respite to caregivers in terms of either time (supports) or budget constraints (subsidies) can improve caregivers' well-being, even when subsidies do not directly target caregivers. Evidence from recent long-term care reforms in Scotland and Spain suggests that caregiver support can have a large influence on caregiver well-being and mental health [3], [4]. Vulnerable caregivers are at greater risk of caregiver strain when they do not benefit from support and subsidies.…”