Keywords
social support
long-term care
South Bohemia
caregiver burden
NGO support
policy reform
ageing society
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction. Informal caregivers provide a substantial share of long-term care in Europe, yet they often face psychological, physical, and financial strain, particularly where formal support is limited. In the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, support remains fragmented, and caregivers frequently depend on NGOs.
Aim. The study examined the needs and experiences of informal caregivers providing home care to older adults in South Bohemia, with a focus on caregiver burden and the use of available support services. The research formed part of Project No. TL03000518, aimed at developing innovative support tools for informal caregivers.
Materials and methods. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in the second half of 2020 among 168 informal caregivers aged 18 years and older. Participants lived in South Bohemia and had provided care for at least three months and a minimum of eight hours per week. Recruitment was carried out through local NGOs. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed with descriptive statistics.
Results. Respondents reported major gaps in access to information, legal counselling, psychological support, training, and respite care. Information was insufficient for 56% of caregivers, legal counselling for 38.1%, and psychological assistance for 32%. Only 5% reported access to caregiver training. NGOs were positively evaluated by 76% of respondents, while formal institutions were often viewed as inflexible. In total, 93% felt unrecognised and excluded from care planning, 26% had no possibility of short-term relief, and 76% had no regular assistance. Awareness of caregiver rights was also inconsistent.
Conclusions. Informal caregivers in South Bohemia operate within a fragmented and under-resourced support system that increases psychological and socio-economic burden. Sustainable improvement requires legal recognition of caregivers, broader psychological and legal support, accessible training, respite services, and their formal inclusion in long-term care planning.
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