On the occasion of the National Day of Caregivers, observed on Tuesday, October 6, the Regional Health Agency emphasized several solutions to support family members who care for people who have lost their autonomy. These solutions include home respite, temporary accommodation, listening platforms, and a new regional phone number. Supporting a spouse after a stroke, a parent who can no longer live alone, or a child with a disability involves significant personal investment, often affecting the caregiver's own health. The National Day of Caregivers is an opportunity to raise awareness and discuss ways to provide better support.
A key resource is the new phone number, 0806 806 830, which has been available since September 1. This number allows caregivers to call "Allo Aidants Occitanie" every evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., including holidays. The service is free, confidential, and anonymous, offering caregivers a space to share their challenges and receive tailored advice. It also helps them navigate the various types of assistance they might need.
Sometimes, the need is not for a long-term solution but for a short break. The "Temps libéré" program allows caregivers to leave their loved one for a few hours while a professional stays with them. In 2025, nearly 19,000 hours of free home respite were provided in the region. This service helps caregivers manage daily tasks without leaving their loved one alone, offering them much-needed relief.
Support and respite platforms also play a crucial role. There are 27 such platforms in Occitanie, with three more added recently. These platforms provide listening services, information, and guidance to caregivers. In 2025, more than 5,600 people sought help from these structures. Jeanine, a caregiver for her husband after his stroke, shared her experience: "I was constantly on edge, tired, and isolated, with the guilty feeling of wanting to take a break. By contacting the respite platform, I was finally able to put words to my situation. Thanks to them, an intervener comes to my house twice a month to stay with my husband. This free time allows me to do my shopping, see friends, or simply breathe. When I return, I am relaxed and can better support him."
When home care becomes too challenging, temporary accommodation can be an option. Day care or short-term stays in facilities allow caregivers to take a longer break. This respite can be especially useful after hospitalization if the loved one is not yet ready to return home. People aged 60 and over can temporarily stay in nursing homes under this program. In Occitanie, 107 places are available in 70 nursing homes for this type of support. As the population ages, the demand for such services is expected to grow significantly. According to the Regional Health Agency (ARS), Occitanie is projected to have 300,000 people who have lost their autonomy by 2050.
Regional Agency Outlines Caregiver Support Measures in Occitanie
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