Abstract
Background: In a caring community, individuals work together to provide care and support, particularly for those in vulnerable situations. In the Netherlands, we have seen a rapid increase in the number of active caring communities in recent years. Given the ageing population, limited care capacity, and a withdrawing government, this development seems both necessary and inevitable.
However, integrating caring communities as a thriving part of our health and support system presents significant challenges. Our research highlights key bottlenecks, such as difficulties in collaboration with formal institutions, the struggle for sustainable financing, and the challenge of defining the movement due to the broad use of the term ‘caring community.’ Likewise, (health)care organizations recognize the rise of caring communities but find it difficult to engage with them while maintaining focus on their own organizational needs.
Audience: This presentation is aimed at professionals and citizens involved in caring communities, as well as professionals from healthcare organizations looking to collaborate with these initiatives. Anyone interested in the role of citizen-led initiatives in shaping a sustainable healthcare system is welcome to attend.
Approach: In this session, we will present findings from multiple research projects on the governance and collaboration of caring communities. The presentation will be structured as follows:
- Defining Caring Communities: Insights from scoping research on how caring communities are understood and positioned in the broader health and social care landscape.
- Governance and Sustainability: Key findings from ethnographic research within five different caring communities, focusing on governance models, internal organization, financing, and external collaborations.
- Collaboration with Healthcare Organizations: A discussion on how (health)care organizations can effectively engage with and support caring communities without compromising their own objectives.
Throughout the presentation, we will provide concrete examples and practical approaches for bridging the gap between formal healthcare structures and grassroots community initiatives.
Outcomes:
Attendees will gain:
- A clearer understanding of the definition and role of caring communities.
- Insights into different governance structures and the challenges they face.
- Practical strategies for strengthening collaboration between caring communities and (health)care organizations.
- Inspiration to apply these insights in their own work and contribute to the broader movement towards a sustainable, community-driven healthcare system.