The project aimed to reduce the social, psychological, and physical challenges faced by family members caring for elderly individuals, to facilitate their access to information, and to improve their quality of life. The most significant output is the “Family Guide,” published in German, Turkish, Polish, and English, offering scientifically grounded and practical content. The guide enables caregivers to cope with stress, anger, and burnout, provides essential care information, and introduces national support systems. It is also available digitally via a dedicated web portal and e-learning module, enhancing accessibility and outreach. The content covers a wide range—from psychological skills and first aid to hygiene, nutrition, and social rights. Our goal was to establish a sustainable support mechanism to ensure more informed and healthier caregiving by families. The guide was tested through pilot trainings and disseminated at the European level, increasing the project’s visibility and potential for long-term impact.
With the increasing elderly population in Europe, the importance of informal care provided by family members has grown significantly. This caregiving process creates physical and psychological challenges, negatively impacting the caregivers' social lives, professional responsibilities, and health. In countries such as Germany, Poland, and Turkey, a large proportion of elderly individuals prefer to be cared for at home, and this responsibility is mostly undertaken by family members. However, there is a lack of structured and sustainable support programs for these individuals. Our project was initiated to reduce the social and emotional burdens experienced by family caregivers, to improve their quality of life, and to facilitate access to reliable information. Through the creation of the "Family Guide," an online platform, e-learning modules, and pilot trainings, the project aims to provide concrete solutions to these needs.Additionally, the increased caregiving burden following the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the urgency of this issue.