Community-For-Care: An Integrated Response to Informal Post-Caregivers

Background/Objectives: Informal caregivers play a crucial role in healthcare, but when caregiving ends the “post-caregivers” often remain invisible and unsupported. Post-caregivers face needs such as reconstructing their identity and finding space and time to grieve. This study aimed to design a support network for informal post-caregivers by exploring perceptions of diverse stakeholders. Methods: A qualitative inductive study was conducted using three focus groups (n = 15; ages 35–70; 12 women, 3 men) held online between June and July 2023. Participants included palliative care team members, home support professionals, general practitioners, informal caregivers, post-caregivers, and members of civil society. A semi-structured guide was used, and narratives were analyzed with a Narrative Medicine-informed approach and thematic analysis. Results: Community-For-Care emerged as an overarching concept symbolizing the “living forces of the community” supporting post-caregivers. Three interrelated thematic axes were identified: (1) Compassion Axis – emphasizing a compassionate community that values caregiving; (2) Coordinated Action Axis – highlighting coordinated, continuous support across healthcare and community services; and (3) Care Literacy Axis – underscoring education and training for caregivers, post-caregivers, and professionals. These axes dynamically interact to empower post-caregivers and stitch the holes in the support network. Conclusions: A community-centered, post-caregiver–focused approach may address the loneliness and invisibility that post-caregivers often experience. By strengthening compassion, coordination, and literacy in care, communities can better acknowledge post-caregivers’ contributions and needs, helping them rebuild their lives after caregiving. Such a compassionate communities approach can improve well-being for post-caregivers while also easing the burden on formal health services.