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