On October 6, the National Day of Caregivers, three studies from the Direction de la recherche, des études, de l'évaluation et des statistiques (Drees) emphasized the vital role of caregivers—those who assist elderly, sick, or disabled relatives at home—and the growing challenges they face. One study, published in June 2026, revealed that the number of people aged 16 or older providing regular care to a family member at home has decreased by 6% between 2008 and 2022. This decline is concerning given the rising demand for home care, as 2.16 million people living at home in 2022 reported needing help with at least one daily activity. The remaining caregivers are increasingly burdened, with 51% managing 3 to 7 different types of tasks, up from 40% in 2008. Around 40% of caregivers dedicate between 7 and 35 hours per week to their relative, while 13% spend at least 35 hours weekly on caregiving. Additionally, more than half of caregivers are balancing their responsibilities with work, job searching, or education, highlighting the complexity of their situation. A second study from the Drees, released in late September 2026, focused on the health of caregivers in Europe and found that the intensity of caregiving significantly impacts their well-being. In France, caregivers who are most actively involved report worse physical and mental health than those who are not providing care. Mental health, in particular, is often affected, underscoring the need for healthcare providers to identify caregivers during medical visits and consider their health when planning care for their loved ones. While caregiving can strengthen family bonds and provide a sense of purpose, it can also lead to burnout when caregivers feel isolated in their efforts. The third study noted that 36% of caregivers do not take any time off, with those providing personal care, handling multiple tasks, or caring for someone daily facing the greatest need for respite. Despite the availability of temporary accommodation and home support services, these resources remain underused. Respite can take various forms, such as daily rest, backup during emergencies, holidays, temporary placement of the person being cared for, or in-home assistance. To help caregivers manage their responsibilities, the Social Security Fund offers guidance on reviewing their situation and accessing relevant resources. Caregivers may qualify for specific benefits, such as caregiver leave and a daily allowance for the caregiver (AJPA), which can be applied for through the Family Allowance Fund (Caf) or the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (MSA). They may also be eligible for family solidarity leave when accompanying a person at the end of life. In such cases, the Social Security Fund can provide a daily accompaniment allowance for up to 21 days, or 42 days if the caregiver is working part-time. Caregivers can also seek assistance from their family doctor, respite platforms, or social services to navigate these procedures and protect their health.