Updated report: International examples of measures to support unpaid carers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Klara Lorenz-Dant (Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science)

Key findings:

  • The responsibility of many unpaid carers has increased during the COVID-19 as their usual support networks (e.g. day care, respite care, home care, other unpaid carers) are no longer available or can only provide support at reduced capacity
  • Voluntary sector is providing tangible support across countries
  • Most countries report virtual support interventions for unpaid carers
  • Many countries provide unpaid carers with guidance and resource documents
  • Existing financial support mechanisms continue in a number of countries, but there is limited evidence of  new or additional financial support measures being put in place to support unpaid carers during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Lack of recognition that unpaid carers need to get goods for people with care needs and support with navigating other restrictions to be able to provide care
  • There is limited recognition that unpaid carers need support with contingency planning
  • There is limited recognition that unpaid carers need access to testing and PPE

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