To boost support for caregivers on an international scale, Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, launched a worldwide program called Embracing Carers and presented recent survey results at a conference in Australia.
At the International Carers Conference in Adelaide, Merck recapped a survey of 3,516 unpaid caregivers in seven nations, including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Results pointed to evidence that caregivers must sacrifice their own needs to meet those of their charges such as delaying their own medical care, according to an announcement.
The statistics revealed that 55 percent of those surveyed said they felt their own physical health suffered and 54 percent reported they lacked time to make appointments with their own practitioners.
"Working with caregiver thought leaders, we aim to elevate caregiving as a global public health priority,” Belen Garijo, CEO and executive board member for Healthcare of Merck KGaA, said in the announcement. “Not enough services and programs exist today to help caregivers address their own health and well-being and it's our aim to champion caregiver support and become a long-standing partner for the caregiver community.”
Embracing Carers aims to support the caregiver network by providing an informational toolkit, to unify caregiving entities for advisory purposes and to increase universal awareness, shape policy and connect with health care organizations.
“Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's responsibility and commitment to helping patients live longer, more fulfilled lives, stretch beyond medical innovation for patients," Garijo said.
