Empowerment of Informal Caregivers through Care Training Courses

Abstract Background In Austria 950,000 people are involved in the care of relatives. Informal caregiving is often associated with chronic exhaustion, stress and social isolation. Limited knowledge and caregiving skills intensify this burden. Despite reform efforts, support services remain insufficient or underutilized. Simulation training for informal caregivers (ICs) represents a relevant public health intervention, but implementation and accessibility are still limited. Objectives Since 2018, the Albert Schweitzer Training Centre in Graz, Austria, provides simulation-based care courses for ICs. The programme aims to strengthen caregiving competencies, reduce burden and empower ICs to promote their own health. Courses were co-developed with ICs, health professionals and local stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and workshops. Results The training addresses key caregiving priorities: dementia, personal hygiene, fall prevention, ergonomic transfer techniques and nutrition. Courses are delivered by health professionals from the Geriatric Health Centres of the City of Graz in a demonstration apartment as a realistic learning environment. To date, 802 ICs have completed the courses. Net Promoter Scores ranged from 85 to 95, indicating high levels of satisfaction. Time constraints, distance, and caregiving responsibilities hinder participation. To overcome these barriers, outreach and digital measures were implemented. From 01/2023 to 09/2024, community outreach initiatives targeted rural areas. Activities included the development of a matching tool to connect ICs with service providers, a local support guide, and local public events to enhance digital health literacy and showcase care technologies. In 04/2025, a follow-up project started to develop modular digital course formats. Conclusions Simulation training, combined with outreach and digital tools, represents a scalable public health intervention to empower ICs and enhance access to respite services. Key messages • Innovative approaches to support ICs represent a critical public health strategy. • Simulation-based training offers potential to strengthen care competencies and to empower ICs.