Informal Caregivers: The Silent Heroes of Home Care

Every day in Portugal, over 800,000 people quietly dedicate their lives to caring for others — without pay, without training, and often, without support. At IHCare, we believe it’s time to care for those who care.

In Portugal, it is estimated that there are more than 800,000 informal caregivers — people who, on a daily basis, provide support to dependent family members or friends. Often, these people dedicate themselves unpaid, invisible and overburdened to an essential task: caring for those in need.
At IHCare, we recognize this role and believe that caring for those who care is as important as the care itself.

What is an Informal Caregiver?
An informal caregiver is someone who provides care, on a regular or permanent basis, to a dependent person, without receiving any remuneration for it. This care may include help with feeding, hygiene, administering medication, accompanying them to appointments, 24/7 supervision, among others. Despite being essential, informal caregivers continue to be undervalued and insufficiently supported.
The Main Challenges Faced by Informal Caregivers

The informal caregiver's journey is marked by significant obstacles:

1. Physical and emotional overload
Caring requires constant availability, patience and effort. This dedication can lead to physical exhaustion and emotional burnout .

2. Social isolation
Over time, many caregivers no longer have space for themselves. Isolation and loneliness become common, increasing the risk of mental health problems.

3. Lack of training
Most caregivers have never received any training in health care, which leaves them vulnerable and insecure when performing delicate tasks.

4. Bureaucratic and unknown support
Although the Informal Caregiver Statute is now in force, many people are still unaware of their rights or have difficulty accessing existing support.
A recent study indicates that 84% of informal caregivers in Portugal are women, and around 80% have felt the need for psychological support due to the stress associated with the role.

Support Available in Portugal
Some public measures have been created to support caregivers:
- Informal Caregiver Status: legal recognition of the caregiver's role and access to social rights;
- Support Allowance for the Main Informal Caregiver: financial support for those who provide permanent care;
- Certified training in basic care;
- Psychological support lines.

How IHCare Supports Informal Caregivers
At IHCare, we are attentive to the real needs of caregivers. That is why we develop solutions designed to make the daily lives of caregivers and informal caregivers easier.
Essential Support Products
- Waterproof and breathable technical sheets;
- Technical pillowcases with antimicrobial treatment;
- Absorbent Technical Protection;
- Odor inhibitor.

Training and Monitoring
Our team can guide you in choosing the best products and provide useful information for a safer and more effective care routine.
“Caring for someone can be difficult. But it doesn’t have to be lonely.” At IHCare, we value every informal caregiver and want to be part of your support network.

Conclusion
Informal caregivers are a silent pillar of the Portuguese healthcare system. They provide care with love, resilience and sacrifice. But they also deserve to be cared for, valued and supported.
At IHCare, we are committed to supporting those who provide care, with technical, humane and sustainable solutions.
Discover our solutions for informal caregivers at:

https://myshellty.com/