Moving beyond direct cash transfers, we must rebuild how social care functions from the ground up. Currently, the system views caregivers as an infinite resource rather than a finite human capacity. To change this, we need a legal framework that recognizes caregiving as a formal employment status. This would grant people rights to job protection, paid leave, and health insurance, preventing them from falling into poverty when they step away from the workforce to provide care.
Infrastructure matters too. Local communities need more respite centers and day services that are actually accessible. If a caregiver cannot step away for even four hours without their loved one languishing in isolation, the current system is failing. We need a decentralized network of neighborhood hubs that provide short-term relief.
Integration is the final piece. Social care should not be a separate silo from the healthcare system. When a patient is discharged from a hospital, their home care needs—and the person managing them—must be part of the clinical handover. Coordinating these services reduces the mental load on families. Instead of navigating a maze of disconnected agencies, caregivers need a single point of contact to manage the logistics of life.
