2. Background: informal care

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In many European countries demographic (e.g. ageing society) and political (e.g. ageing-in-place policy) changes are leading to significant reforms in health care systems. The cutbacks in professional care are increasing the demand for informal care, among which care provided by family members. As a result, patient care is often given by informal carers combined with professional care. In order to provide high-quality care informal carers are increasingly recognised as equal partners within the care process. In this regard, collaboration between informal carers and care professionals is of great importance.