Caregivers need more government support: 'Burnout is a problem'
The SCP warns that caregivers in the Netherlands are at risk of burnout and cannot be viewed as a simple solution to formal care shortages. Researchers urge the government to provide better leave protections, funding for local respite services, and mental health support to ensure informal care remains sustainable.
Caregivers in the Netherlands are facing significant risks of burnout as they attempt to balance work, family, and personal health alongside providing essential support to relatives. The Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) warns that relying on informal care as a primary solution to formal staffing shortages is unsustainable without structural support. Because the aging population will require more assistance in coming years, policymakers must prioritize the well-being of these caregivers rather than assuming their services will be freely available indefinitely.
To ensure informal care remains viable, researchers recommend that the government expand leave rights to help individuals maintain their employment. Furthermore, the report calls for local municipalities to provide mandatory respite care and mental health support for caregivers, backed by sufficient funding from the national government. Healthcare providers are also encouraged to establish clear, early agreements with caregivers that explicitly acknowledge their individual capacity. By addressing these needs, the government can help prevent burnout and make the informal care system more resilient for the future.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
