IACO – Building a global understanding and respect for the vital role of carers

The COVID-19 pandemic is straining the health and social care systems around the world.

IACO recognizes the invaluable role of carers during this challenging time. Working alongside the formal health care system, carers continue to provide support and care to someone with a physical disability, a debilitating cognitive condition or a chronic life-limiting illness. COVID-19 can infect people of all ages. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease), appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

As a carer, it is important for you to be informed and know who to contact if you have any concerns. IACO members are working with their country authorities to provide accurate information and resources to ensure carers and their loved ones are safe.

Carers Australia: COVID-19: Advice for carers

Carers Canada: Support for Caregivers in Response to COVID-19

The French Association of Caregivers: Coronavirus : nous restons à vos côtés (Coronavirus, we stay by your side)

Care Alliance Ireland: Creating a Backup Plan: Covid-19 and Family Carers

Caregivers Israel: Corona Days – Tips and Focal Points for Family Therapists

Carers Japan: Urgent questionnaire on the spread of new coronavirus infection and carers

Carers UK: Coronavirus Guidance

National Alliance for Caregiving (United States): Family Support Resources for Managing COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly changing public health crisis and this list of resources is not exhaustive. Please contact your public health and government resources for information, or visit The World Health Organization (WHO) website

Time Counts is an Embracing Carers^TM call to action which increases visibility of the caregivers’ role in supporting a loved one and raises awareness of how one can best support them. Embracing Carers™ is asking individuals to give their time to provide connection and support to a caregiver in their lives.

Visit EmbracingCarers.com

Our Commitment to Carers

Once seen as a personal and private matter in family life, unpaid caregiving has become one of the most important social and economic policy issues worldwide. IACO members are working collaboratively and independently to raise awareness of carers, identify and disseminate best practices and enhance carer well-being. Together we will:

Facilitate international advocacy
to advance programs, policies, and legislation that support caregiver well-being.
Increase awareness
of the role and needs of carers as an international issue.
Promote the sharing
of best practices in caregiving programs between countries.
Encourage and provide assistance
to countries interested in developing family carer organizations.

The terms caregiver, family caregiver and carer are used interchangeably by IACO members.