The World Health Organization Centre for Health Development’s tenth brief on long-term care financing explores a crucial aspect of caregiving in low- and middle-income settings: the role of informal caregivers. As the backbone of long-term care (LTC) systems, informal caregivers—often family members or friends—provide essential support for older individuals in performing daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility. In many countries, especially those with limited access to publicly funded LTC services, these informal caregivers fill a significant gap, effectively substituting for formal care options.
The economic impact of informal caregiving is substantial, with estimates suggesting that its value ranges from 0.8% to 4.9% of gross domestic product (GDP) annually, reflecting the considerable time and productivity losses associated with caregiving responsibilities. This brief highlights the pressing need for greater investment in formal LTC systems, which not only facilitate better care for older adults but also support informal caregivers in balancing their caregiving duties with paid employment. Through the implementation of supportive labor policies and cash benefits, as well as the integration of technology, countries can enhance the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients, ultimately promoting a more sustainable LTC framework.