Enhancing the Resilience of Elderly Caregivers in Iran: The Imperative of Social Determinants and Support Strategies

Abstract

Social shifts and the accelerating trend of population aging have imposed significant pressure and concern on informal and home-based care systems. This is primarily due to the increased responsibilities, rising costs, and substantial time required for the care of elderly family members. Left unaddressed, these pressures lead to caregiver burnout, the weakening of family dynamics, and an escalation in formal healthcare expenditures. This policy brief analyzes the challenges faced by elderly caregivers and delineates policy options aimed at enhancing their resilience and quality of life. According to the proposed strategies, educational interventions focused on improving "caregiving literacy" and "self-efficacy" through the design of targeted support packages and counseling services are recommended as the primary priority, given their cost-effectiveness and broad reach. Concurrently, revising labor laws to provide workplace facilities, alongside the development of adult day care centers, are essential actions required to alleviate the physical burden of care and reform insurance coverage. Furthermore, the strengthening of formal and semi-formal social support networks must be integrated into the policy agenda. Implementing these policies necessitates a paradigm shift from a "duty-based" to a "rights-based" approach to safeguard the psychosocial health of caregivers, mitigate life stressors, and empower the overall health system. The effectiveness of these strategies depends on robust intersectoral coordination and a balanced distribution of individual responsibilities and government support, which will ultimately promote the health and quality of life for both caregivers and the elderly while effectively managing health system costs. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.