May 9, 2026
By Ramjun Valasote
The Caregivers
Globally, more than 250 million people work as informal, unpaid caregivers, providing essential support for family and friends with chronic illnesses or disabilities. This largely female workforce is facing a severe crisis, with an estimated 13.6 million worker deficit and significant impacts on their own health, social life, and finances.
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
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Key Aspects of Global Caregiving:
Informal Care Dominance: In Europe, 80% of long-term care is provided by family or friends, ranging from 10% to 25% of the total population.
Gender Gap: Caregiving is heavily gendered; women provide over 70% of the world's intensive, informal care, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The Care Gap: Demand for care is outpacing supply, leading to a 13.6 million shortfall in formal, long-term care workers.
Economic Impact: Many caregivers, particularly women, are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely, impacting their financial security.
Migrant Workforce: Foreign-born workers often fill formal care gaps, for example, making up 73% of paid caregivers in Italy.
Health and Well-being: Caregivers often face high levels of stress, fatigue, and declining health due to their responsibilities.
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
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Key Organizations and Programs:
Carers Worldwide works to bring recognition and support to carers in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) acts as a global coalition to support caregivers.
Embracing Carers
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Challenges and Needs:
Need for Support: Caregivers require, but often lack, access to respite services, training, and emotional support to prevent burnout.
Policy Recognition: There is a pressing need for policies that protect and support both formal and informal caregivers, including financial assistance and recognition of their role.
Child Caregivers: In some regions, children and young adults are key providers of care, which can interrupt their education and future employment opportunities.
Embracing Carers
+3
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
+3
Key Aspects of Global Caregiving:
Informal Care Dominance: In Europe, 80% of long-term care is provided by family or friends, ranging from 10% to 25% of the total population.
Gender Gap: Caregiving is heavily gendered; women provide over 70% of the world's intensive, informal care, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The Care Gap: Demand for care is outpacing supply, leading to a 13.6 million shortfall in formal, long-term care workers.
Economic Impact: Many caregivers, particularly women, are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely, impacting their financial security.
Migrant Workforce: Foreign-born workers often fill formal care gaps, for example, making up 73% of paid caregivers in Italy.
Health and Well-being: Caregivers often face high levels of stress, fatigue, and declining health due to their responsibilities.
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
+2
Key Organizations and Programs:
Carers Worldwide works to bring recognition and support to carers in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) acts as a global coalition to support caregivers.
Embracing Carers
+1
Challenges and Needs:
Need for Support: Caregivers require, but often lack, access to respite services, training, and emotional support to prevent burnout.
Policy Recognition: There is a pressing need for policies that protect and support both formal and informal caregivers, including financial assistance and recognition of their role.
Child Caregivers: In some regions, children and young adults are key providers of care, which can interrupt their education and future employment opportunities.
Embracing Carers
+3