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Original title: Bijzondere mantelzorg
The notion of informal care generally conjures up a picture of care provided
to older persons by relatives and friends. However, people with psychiatric
problems or intellectual disabilities also receive a great deal of care from
those close to them. As yet, little is known about the experiences of those
providing care to these groups. This report devotes attention to this 'special'
informal care - special because the care relationship is not infrequently one
that lasts a lifetime and in which care is needed and provided day and night.
The informal carers providing this care were asked to recount their positive
and negative experiences of providing care. They were also asked about their
experiences with care professionals, and about their own need for
support.
This study was carried out in collaboration with the Community Care department
of Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences (HvA), whose
students helped carry out the fieldwork. The findings will also be used in the
training of current and future workers in the care and service professions.