This module introduces participants to the context of long-term care in Europe, with a focus on the differences between formal and informal care and types of services available on national level in each partner country. It highlights the demographic trends leading to the increasing need for care, and the reliance on family members to fill existing gaps in national care systems.
The module also explores the impact of informal caregiving on various aspects of individuals’ lives, such as physical and mental health, employment / professional development, recognition and training, and economic stability. By combining theoretical content with interactive activities, the module aims to raise awareness among managers, employers and HR specialists, encourage reflection and help build practical strategies for supporting informal carers.
Learning objectives
The learning objectives of this module are:
- To understand the distinction between formal and informal care.
- To gain awareness of the limitations of existing formal long-term care services in partner countries.
- To gain awareness of the demographic changes that lead to growing demand for long-term care.
- To understand the importance of community-based services and of family in long-term care and why informal long-term care in necessary.
- To recognise the challenges faced by informal carers in terms of employment, physical health, emotional wellbeing, and financial stability.
- To explore the positive aspects of caregiving, such as personal fulfilment and skills development.
- To identify ways in which employers, managers, and HR professionals can support employees with caring responsibilities.
Practical tips for trainers
When delivering the training module, trainers are encouraged to consider the following points:
- Adapt the training material to the national context. Long-term care services, and workplace cultures may differ significantly among countries.
- Be respectful and attentive to participants’ personal experience. Some may currently provide care or have received care themselves, and this can influence how they engage with the content of the module.
- Encourage open discussion and active listening. Allow space for different perspectives, particularly regarding gender roles and cultural expectations related to caregiving.
- Connect the learning material to participants’ professional roles. Demonstrate how the information presented in this module is directly relevant to their workplace and everyday responsibilities.
- Use interactive activities to stimulate engagement and reflection, while also ensuring a supportive learning environment.