Frustration builds as more forced to care for loved ones at home

More than 4 million people provided informal care to someone they know in 2014, that is about a third of all adult Dutch, according to a report by the Social and Cultural Planning Office based on surveys among more than 7 thousand carers. A third of the informal carers indicated that they sometimes lose their patience. 9 percent admitted that this sometimes turns into screaming or rough treatment. This happens more often when the caregiver feels that there is no one else to help. Informal carers generally take care of someone they know, like a spouse, family member or neighbor, due to physical, mental or intellectual problems. Informal care consists of, for example, helping out with the housework, washing and dressing, transportation, company or chores. According to SCP, informal care is often given in addition to a normal day job. 80 percent of caregivers combine informal care with paid work. An estimated 610 thousand people provide care for more than three months and longer than 8 hours a week. 58 percent of caregivers are female. Male caregivers relatively often provide care for a partner or spouse.