The project addresses the overall lack of information and awareness of the options offered by the State in the area of informal and home care. It tackles several problems, including the lack of support, inadequate training and poor knowledge transfer among informal carers. Finally, it addresses the physical and mental well-being of carers, and the barriers they experience in remaining in the labour market. The innovation relies on the great diversity of the services offered by members of the project team. As a mobile team, it can come to a carer’s home to evaluate the situation and set up the appropriate support. This is crucial in a (largely) rural area. The project team comprises a social worker, professional counsellor, field workers and a nurse, offering a well-rounded spectrum of support for carers. By building synergies with formal care institutions, the team can link carers with relevant support services in the Local Action Group (LAG) region, where necessary.
Another innovative aspect is the natural facilitation of interconnected social and health services. For example, a carer can request to be temporarily replaced by an external carer (up to 40 hours per person for the duration of the project), with a trained nurse stepping in to take care of a dependent’s more complex medical needs. The nurse can also provide health training (treating wounds, giving injections, changing bandages, etc.) that social workers or field workers cannot (legislative limitations, competence).
The theatre performances are the final innovative aspect. These are intended to contribute to the de-stigmatisation of caring for dependent persons, as well as the growing incidence of dementia in society. The project also organises self-support groups and lectures for home carers.