Press review - November

Introducing the SENEF and Progisap Press Review. This monthly press review is a digest of all the latest news from the personal services sector. Discover the November press review.

The needs of our family caregivers

According to the Baromètre de la Fondation Médéric Alzheimer, 68 % of employed caregivers consider their professional environment to be benevolent, However, few talk about it with their colleagues (11 %) or their superiors (7 %). The drop in these figures could be linked to the widespread use of teleworking. Christine Tabuenca, Director of the Foundation, stresses the importance of giving caregivers a voice and raising awareness of assistance schemes, such as the APA, which 60 % of French people are unaware of.

Caregivers expect more support from employers, in particular through awareness-raising campaigns, the granting of time off or better training in occupational medicine. Reconciling work and family life is difficult for 56 % of caregivers, and 67 % for those accompanying people with cognitive disorders. They experience frequent interruptions (59 %) and intense workloads, impacting on their quality of life and health.

That's right, 72 % of caregivers feel tired and lack energy, and 9 % take daily medication for anxiety or depression, with a marked deterioration since 2020. Caregivers of people with cognitive impairment are particularly affected, revealing an urgent need for targeted support.

With nearly 11 million caregivers in France, The ageing of the population makes their situation a major social issue, in a «society of care» described by Professor Serge Guérin.

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Budget 2025: A word from Fédésap

Following the National Assembly's rejection of the Revenue section of the 2025 Finance Bill, the text has been sent to the Senate in its initial version. Fédésap, the federation of personal services companies (SAP), is warning against attempts to make savings inspired by the Court of Auditors' report of March 2024. Reducing tax aid for SAPs could lead to an explosion in undeclared work, a loss of purchasing power and massive job destruction, while generating less revenue for the State.

According to Frank Nataf, President of Fédésap, households will continue to use EWS even with a less favorable tax framework, but via undeclared jobs. Proposed changes, such as an increase in VAT or a reduction in tax credits, would seriously harm an essential sector for vulnerable and low-income people. Contrary to popular belief, 39 % of SAP users are non-taxable, and 27 % of households concerned earn less than 28,000 euros gross per year.

Thanks to the generalization of the tax credit in 2017, these services have become accessible to modest households, including the elderly (42.3 % of users). Fédésap advocates preserving a scheme that creates jobs, supports vulnerable people, and is an effective redistributive lever. Modifying this tax framework would be a harmful and counter-productive measure.

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Caregivers : What are their profiles and concerns?

A study conducted by Danone and Ipsos among 1,600 caregivers in Europe reveals the many challenges they face, particularly when it comes to nutrition for sick loved ones. In France, 78 % of caregivers observe nutritional problems in their loved ones, but only 39 % use medical nutrition to remedy them. The burden on caregivers is heavy, with an average of 5.5 regular tasks, including medical care, administrative management and treatment coordination.

Key points:

Profile of caregivers :

• 87 % provide medical care and health monitoring.
• They mainly care for relatives suffering from cancer (61 %), neurological diseases (23 %), or heart disease (12 %).
• More than half have been engaged for more than a year, and 16 % for more than 5 years.

Impact on their lives :

• 76 % experience professional impacts, such as reduced productivity (22 %), reduced working hours (21 %), or job loss (12 %).
• They experience strong emotional stress, amplified by nutritional concerns (82 %).

Recurring nutritional problems :

• Weight loss (72 %), muscle weakness (83 %), fatigue (86 %).
• Eating difficulties: lack of appetite (73 %), swallowing problems (43 %), nausea (49 %).

Expressed needs :

• 82 % would like to see more resources, such as practical guides, mobile applications or online training.
• Support from healthcare professionals and educational tools are particularly popular.

Caregivers take on an indispensable but exhausting role, combining physical care, emotional support and complex management. To ease their burden, it is essential to provide them with practical solutions, technological tools and professional support tailored to their specific needs.

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Investments to improve the living environment in

Faced with the accelerated ageing of the French population, the French government, the CNSA and the Assurance Retraite are investing massively in autonomy residences, an alternative to EHPAD and the home. Since 2021, over 130 million euros have been committed to creating new places and renovating existing accommodation, particularly in under-equipped départements and overseas territories where these structures are non-existent.

Key initiatives :

1. Creating new places :
   • 2,398 places financed in 2022 (€12.1 million), 1,755 in 2023 (€9 million), and €15 million planned for 2024.
   • For example, the under-subscribed Loire-Atlantique region is planning to add 1,000 new places, including 44 in Orvault via a project subsidized to the tune of €720,000.
2. Upgrading existing homes :
   • 26,000 homes renovated or equipped between 2021 and 2024 thanks to Ségur de la Santé and European funding.
   • A wide range of work: replacing furniture, renovating common areas, modernizing equipment (shower trays, elevators), and creating user-friendly areas, as in Rennes and Périgueux.
3. Innovative projects :
   • Creation of third places to encourage social interaction and meet local needs. For example, the Wilson residence in Périgueux, financed to the tune of €70,000, offers intergenerational activities and digital services.

Outlook :

By 2026, more than 7,000 new places will be delivered. This will provide elderly people, particularly those on modest incomes, with a secure, suitable living environment that encourages social interaction. This investment policy responds to the demographic emergency, while improving the well-being of residents and professionals alike.

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