In May, we launched a new Flemish Informal Care Plan! From the Flemish Expertise Point for Informal Care, which is part of VIVEL, we coordinated the research process and the preparation of this new plan, which focuses on recognizing and supporting informal caregivers.
In May, we launched a new Flemish Informal Care Plan! From the Flemish Expertise Point for Informal Care, which is part of VIVEL, we coordinated the research process and the preparation of this new plan, which focuses on recognizing and supporting informal caregivers. In addition to recognition, there is a great need for better support and guidance for informal caregivers. Until a few years ago, there was no integrated informal care policy in Flanders. In collaboration with researchers affiliated with the Academy for Primary Care, informal caregivers themselves, but also with experts from various domains such as work and education, VIVEL conducted research into what a Flemish Informal Care Policy should look like.
The research led to a number of policy priorities, which in turn led to the new Flemish informal care plan 2022-2024.
The implementation of the plan is coordinated by the Flemish Expertise Point for Informal Care, which is part of VIVEL. With our coordination, we are strongly committed to cooperation and involvement of various organisations, policy domains and levels. Together with partners from Education, Growing Up, Work, Youth, Mental Health Care, Care and Welfare, we strive for broad implementation and social support for the new Flemish informal care policy.
After prioritisation, five projects were developed by the six recognised informal care associations and the Flemish Expertise Point for Informal Care. The Flemish Government is investing 1 million euros in stimulus funds to carry out these projects over the next two years, together with numerous partners:
One in three Flemish people is a caregiver, and seven in ten combines this with a job. So there is a good chance that at least one of your colleagues is confronted with this balancing act. This project raises awareness among employers and personnel services to pay attention to informal caregivers in the workplace. In addition to information sessions and training courses, 'A to Z' guidance programmes are being developed to support employers in installing a caregiver-friendly personnel policy.
Pivotal moments in healthcare, such as admission to a hospital or residential care centre, are also drastic moments for the informal caregiver. Yet, at these crucial moments, when they have many questions, they are often forgotten. This project aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and provide them with the tools to involve informal caregivers as much as possible in the care process and decisions about their loved one's care.
Young carers should be able to participate in all facets of life just like other young people. In this project, the focus is on raising awareness and rolling out projects in education, so that young caregivers are better recognized and supported in this daily context. Awareness-raising campaigns increase the visibility of young carers in society.
Caregivers are the silent heroes of care. Often a little too quiet. They pay attention to the needs of the person they care for and take that for granted, but their capacity also has its limits. This project raises awareness about the discussion of psychological needs among informal caregivers and provides low-threshold forms of psychosocial support.
Caregivers can no longer see the wood for the trees about leave systems, premiums and statutes that are spread across different agencies. With the renewal and promotion of the website www.mantelzorgers.be, a central information point will be provided that bundles basic information about informal care in an accessible and clear way.
Questions? Contact us!
On this website of the Flemish Expertise Point for Informal Care you will find all the information for informal caregivers and those who work with them. An initiative with the support of the Flemish government.
Go to mantelzorgers.be
