Supporting the supporters. A systematic scoping review of support interventions for informal caregivers

Background: Globally, shifting demographics and a growing prevalence of multi-morbid patients are placing pressure on public health and healthcare systems. Persistent shortages of qualified care staff further exacerbate these challenges and highlight the need for additional support, such as through informal care networks. Informal care forms the backbone of global long-term care and is provided by relatives, friends, or acquaintances without formal contractual agreements. Although informal care alleviates pressure on healthcare systems, it comes with financial, physical, and mental health burden, primarily for caregivers. Addressing that burden through caregiver support systems is more urgent than ever. This review maps the evidence landscape on (a) educational, (b) social/emotional, (c) practical, (d) financial, and (e) legal support interventions for informal caregivers and identify barriers, facilitators, and their implications. Methods: A scoping review of the scientific literature published between 2019 and 2025 and indexed in Medline, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Screening was conducted in duplicate. Data extraction was conducted using Elicit and quality checked manually. Synthesis followed a four-step, iterative, and thematic approach. Results: 2665 articles were screened and 67 studies included. The most common caregiver support types were educational (n=63) and social or emotional(n=45), in most studies combined. Educational interventions often reported improved caregivers' knowledge, skills preparedness, and self-efficacy which was often linked to reduced caregiver burden and enhanced quality of life. Social and emotional interventions were often linked to lower caregiver isolation, distress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing overall psychological well-being, hope, and emotional connections. Overall, studies often reported improved caregiver burden, self-efficacy, preparedness, quality of life, mental health and well-being, as well as physical functioning and overall health. Financial and legal interventions were only marginally addressed. We identified several (1) caregiver-related, (2) intervention-related, and (3) system-level barriers and facilitators. Conclusions: The scientific literature on informal caregiver support primarily focuses on educational and social-emotional interventions with reported benefits across caregiver outcomes, including caregiver burden and overall well-being. Financial and legal support remain inadequately addressed despite broader evidence that financial burden is a key driver of caregiver burden.