The Directorate for Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (Drees) and Institut des politiques publiques (IPP) have published a study on the profile of informal caregivers providing care at home. These caregivers provide regular support to people with disabilities or who have experienced a loss of autonomy. This informal care is essential, given the ageing population, the desire to enable people to remain in their own homes, and a shortage of professional caregivers. Drawing on the ‘Caregivers’ section of the Drees’ 2022 Autonomy-Households survey, this study describes the characteristics of caregivers and the support they provide.
Three in ten caregivers look after their loved one on their own; six in ten are in work or are students
Reference Studies and Results No. 1358 (DREES)
Presentation
Key Results
7.1 million people support relatives with a disability or Loss of autonomy
In 2022, 7.1 million people – representing 11 per cent of the population aged 5 or over – are caregivers and regularly provide so-called ‘Informal care’ to 5.0 million people living in ordinary housing in mainland France. Caregivers most often support a parent (35 per cent), a spouse (24 per cent) or a child (19 per cent). The majority of caregivers are women (58 per cent) and are on average almost 53 years old. Half of those receiving care from a relative at home are under 65 (17 per cent are aged between 5 and 29); indeed, Informal care is provided not only to older people who are experiencing loss of autonomy but also to children and adults with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
More than one in three caregivers supports a relative in their daily life, financially and emotionally
The regular support provided by caregivers can take several forms: emotional support, help with daily living, and financial or practical assistance. Emotional support is the most common form of help (95 per cent of caregivers), followed by help with daily living (83 per cent) – household chores, personal care or assistance with mobility. Finally, 42 per cent of caregivers provide financial or practical support. A third of caregivers provide all three forms of support. The time spent on help with daily living varies greatly: from less than an hour a day (44 per cent) to 35 hours or more a week (11 per cent).
In three out of ten cases, the caregiver provides support on their own
Three in ten caregivers look after their loved one without any other co-caregivers: neither relatives, nor professionals, nor volunteers. This situation is particularly common when the person being cared for is a spouse: 61 per cent of spouses who are caregivers provide care on their own (chart). This lack of support can increase the negative impact on the caregiver’s health or social life. However, sharing the care burden does not always provide relief.
Six in ten caregivers are in work or studying
In 2022, 58 per cent of caregivers were in work, looking for work or studying, representing 78 per cent of caregivers of working age. Among the latter, almost half also have a dependent child who is not the person they are caring for. They must therefore balance their role as a caregiver with their family responsibilities and other commitments.
Method and Data
The ‘Caregivers’ section of the Autonomie-Ménages survey was carried out in 2022 amongst a sample of 6,000 people aged 5 or over living in mainland France, identified as caregivers by people aged 5 or over living in ordinary housing who reported receiving care in the ‘Individuals’ section of the Autonomie-Ménages survey. This section also offers a unique opportunity to examine the profile of young caregivers, who are the focus of particular attention in the national ‘Agir pour les aidants’ strategies.
Annelore Verhagen
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