Mantelzorg
Mantelzorg (literally: “cloak care”) is a Dutch term introduced by Johannes Hattinga Verschure in 1972. It describes the system of informal social care in the Netherlands.
Informal care is care for people who are chronically ill, disabled and in need that is provided by relatives, friends, acquaintances and neighbours. Typically, there is a pre-existing personal relationship between the caregiver and the person receiving care. This care is normally unpaid.
In the Netherlands, 3.6 million people care for another person in this way. Around 1.1 million caregivers provide more than 8 hours per week of care lasting for more than three months. 450 000 carers feel burdened or overburdened. Most carers find it natural to care for their neighbour but run into numerous problems. Difficulties include combining caring with paid employment, temporary transfer to caring and, for many carers, incurring extra costs.
Every year in the Netherlands Dag van de Mantelzorg, Carers Day, is celebrated. Across the country activities are organized for carers. This day is part of the Week of the Chronically Ill, in November.
In Flanders there are six associations that represent the interests of carers (Steunpunt Mantelzorg, Samana, Liever Thuis LM, Ons Zorgnetwerk, S-Plus Mantelzorg, Okra-Zorgrecht). Additionally, the 'Vlaams Expertisepunt Mantelzorg' collects information, publications, tools and tips about family care. These are published on their website: