Government Recognition and Support for Family Caregivers: A Comparative Review of Policies in Northern and Southern Countries With a Focus on Oncology Caregivers

Abstract

The recognition of informal caregivers by governments is gradually increasing. Currently, several countries, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, have officially acknowledged the role of caregivers and offer various forms of support. In contrast, in southern countries, data on informal caregivers, especially those caring for cancer patients, remain sparse. Furthermore, the acknowledgment and support for caregivers’ roles are still lacking in many of these regions. Notably, existing policies in northern countries predominantly focus on caregivers for the elderly and disabled, with only a few initiatives directly supporting caregivers of cancer patients. This review aims to shed light on the measures some governments have taken to support caregivers and advocate for further actions and policies to enhance caregiver support. This review is grounded on a thorough examination of articles, governmental reports, and empirical studies related to family caregiver support.