informal care

Informal care refers to the unpaid support provided by family members, friends, or neighbors to individuals needing help due to illness, disability, or aging. It includes tasks like assisting with daily activities, managing medications, providing emotional support, and helping with household chores. This type of care is essential for many, often supplementing formal healthcare services, and is based on personal relationships rather than paid employment. Informal care plays a vital role in maintaining the well-being and independence of those receiving it, often driven by compassion and social bonds.