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In France, 8 to 11 million people support a loved one with a disability or a disabling illness. The Minister of Solidarity announced, Friday October 6, the creation of 6,000 additional respite places.
At 84, Guy Tatin has little time for himself. Every day, he only allows himself a few minutes to get some fresh air. It’s his only moment of respite since he takes care of his wife. “Since 2009, we haven’t gone out. I don’t know what holidays are anymore, I’m there all the time”, he said. 14 years without rest, supporting his wife on a daily basis, so that she can stay at home. Her husband is essential when the caregivers are no longer there.
One in six French people is a caregiver
Like one in six French people, Guy Tatin is a caregiver. Respite centers welcome dependent or disabled people, so that their caregivers finally have time for them. “We tend to step aside to prioritize the comfort and safety of the person we support.“, explains Clara Le Borgne, psychomotor therapist at Casa Delta 7 Paris.
To relieve caregivers, the government is announcing the creation of 6,000 respite places for elderly and disabled people. They will not concern those suffering from chronic illnesses, to the great regret of the associations, who also consider the system undersized: “a drop of water in the sea” for Morgane Hiron, general delegate of the “Je t’aide” collective.