The project aimed to empower informal caregivers by providing tools, resources, and knowledge to reduce the physical and emotional toll of caregiving. It sought to promote self-care practices, equipping caregivers to maintain their well-being while enhancing the quality of care they provide. Through innovative methods like virtual reality (VR) training and e-learning, the project aimed to foster empathy and deepen caregivers' understanding of dementia. A key goal was to combat stigma and foster community inclusion, encouraging public awareness and support for caregivers and people with dementia. The initiative also intended to build lasting impacts by creating resources adaptable to varied cultural contexts and ensuring sustainability through long-term accessibility and collaboration. By improving caregivers’ skills, resilience, and social support, the project aimed to enhance both individual well-being and systemic approaches to dementia care.
The SupportCare project aimed to address the urgent need for supporting informal caregivers of people with dementia, who face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. These burdens are compounded by societal stigma, limited resources, and the high stress of caregiving responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored these challenges, revealing the critical importance of robust caregiver support systems. Partners applied to develop resources like training tools, self-care guides, and community engagement activities to alleviate caregiver stress and improve resilience. By fostering transnational collaboration, the project aimed to share innovative practices and culturally adaptable solutions, thereby enhancing the quality of life for caregivers and the people they care for across diverse European contexts. Additionally, the project sought to combat misconceptions about dementia, create dementia-friendly communities, and build sustainable tools to support caregivers in the long term.