Abstract
In European countries, Long-Term Care (LTC) systems heavily rely on informal care. However, the provision of LTC varies significantly across countries and welfare regimes. Against this backdrop, this paper examines training programs for informal caregivers in Europe, exploring the relationship between informal care and caregiver training in light of different welfare regime types. The study consists of two levels of analysis: grey literature analysis; policy analysis and mapping training provision in different countries. First, a document analysis of key international frameworks was conducted to assess how training for informal caregivers is addressed by major international institutions (EU, WHO, UNECE) and civil society organizations (Eurocarers). Second, policies related to caregivers’ training were analyzed in four countries, each representing a different welfare regime. In addition, an exploratory mapping of training courses offered in these countries was carried out to identify the main characteristics of the courses and uncover patterns that allow for cross-country comparison. Findings suggest that, although existing initiatives are highly fragmented and diverse, there is a relation between caregiver training provision and welfare regime type. In particular, the study highlights key patterns in training approaches and the roles played by public institutions, private actors and civil society in delivering these programs. Finally, the paper presents the features of two training programs launched in Italy as part of the “Safina” project.
Presenters
Federico SofrittiResearcher, Department of Economics and Law, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Informal Care. Training Programs. Welfare Regimes. Long-Term Care. Care Regimes
