What is Day of the Family Caregiver?

Day of the Family Caregiver is held every year on June 19 in the Netherlands. The day recognises the work of professionals who support informal caregivers; people who care for a loved one while juggling work, family, and daily life. These professionals, often called caregiving coordinators or family care consultants, guide families through healthcare options, help organise services, and reduce the pressure on caregivers.

This day focuses on the essential bridge between formal healthcare and the unpaid care given by family members. It celebrates those who ensure caregivers don’t burn out, miss out on support, or get lost in complicated systems.

In the Netherlands, Day of the Family Caregiver is supported by municipalities, healthcare organisations, and social workers. Awareness campaigns and workplace sessions highlight the role of caregiving coordination and how it helps families maintain balance.

History and Origin

Day of the Family Caregiver was introduced in the Netherlands to highlight a growing need: many working people are also informal caregivers. As care systems became more complex, the demand for professional support grew. The role of caregiving consultants emerged to help people combine work, life, and care without becoming overwhelmed.

The day was established to give visibility to these professionals, whose work often happens behind the scenes. It also promotes awareness of how care responsibilities affect employment, health, and emotional wellbeing.

Each year, more companies, municipalities, and care networks join in the day’s activities. The goal is to promote early intervention, better access to resources, and appreciation for the people who guide caregivers through difficult times.

Who participates in Day of the Family Caregiver?

• Caregiving coordinators: Professionals who help families manage care tasks, paperwork, and support networks.
• Municipal support offices: Local organisations provide information sessions and guidance on care rights and benefits.
• Employers: Companies use the day to highlight support policies for staff with caregiving duties.
• Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, and social workers collaborate with coordinators to create better care pathways.
• Family caregivers: People who care for loved ones benefit directly from the services promoted on this day.

Slogans and Themes

Day of the Family Caregiver centres on balance, support, and access. Themes include “Stronger Together,” “Caring for the Caregiver,” and “Don’t Carry It Alone.” Campaigns focus on preventing caregiver exhaustion, promoting cooperation between sectors, and ensuring informal caregivers are recognised and supported. The message is clear: caregiving should be a shared responsibility.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors

• Blue: Symbolises trust, care, and professional support in a complex system.
• Green: Represents growth, energy, and the sustainable support of long-term caregiving.
• Orange: Stands for visibility, warmth, and the human side of care.

Symbols

• Helping hands: A universal image of support and cooperation.
• Bridge: Represents the connection between families and professional care systems.
• Calendar icon: Reflects the need for time management and coordination in caregiving.

Patterns

• Interlocking circles: Symbolise collaboration between family, work, and care providers.
• Support beams: Abstract motifs that suggest structure and reliable guidance.
• Flow charts: Visuals that echo the complexity of care navigation and planning.

Most used hashtags

• #FamilyCaregiverDay
• #SupportCaregivers
• #CareBalance
• #InvisibleCare
• #CaringForCaregivers

How do you celebrate Day of the Family Caregiver?

• Organise workplace events: Offer lunch talks or workshops about caregiving challenges and support tools.
• Share caregiver stories: Publish interviews or videos that highlight how coordination made a difference.
• Promote available help: Use social media or newsletters to spread awareness about caregiving services.
• Host expert panels: Invite caregiving coordinators to answer questions in online or local sessions.
• Give recognition: Thank caregiving professionals and celebrate the impact of their work in newsletters or team meetings.

Why is Day of the Family Caregiver important?

Day of the Family Caregiver is important because it makes visible the invisible work of caregiving support. While family members provide most of the care, they often do so without a roadmap. Professionals who help them navigate, plan, and manage care make an enormous difference. Without support, caregivers can burn out, lose their jobs, or face serious health problems themselves.

This day also brings attention to the links between employment and informal care. With many people juggling both roles, good support can prevent crises, reduce stress, and improve care outcomes for everyone involved. By recognising these professionals, the day also strengthens the entire care system ; making it more responsive, humane, and sustainable.