On the initiative of eight patient organisations, a National Carers' Day has been established. The day will be celebrated on 12 February, the day after World Sick Day.
The role of the carer in the recovery process of a sick person is invaluable, and yet until now there has not been a day on the calendars to recognise the dedication and express gratitude to these individuals. Therefore, on the initiative of patient organisations, a day has been set up to draw attention to the problems and needs of carers and to thank them for their support. Carers' Day also aims to highlight the unique relationship between the patient and their carer and the role of the carer in the illness and recovery process. It is also a call for more educational activities and real help that can improve quality of life and make caring for sick loved ones easier.
"The illness, especially when it is chronic, does not only affect the patient - the whole family faces it. More often than not, the closest person to the patient becomes the carer: a child, parent, spouse or sibling." Excerpt from the Declaration of Establishment of the National Day of Carers
The intention of the initiators of the establishment of this day is to draw attention to the problems and needs of carers and to thank them for their support. The date on which the day was established was not chosen by chance. 12 February falls on the daýs after the celebration of World Day of the Sick, which draws attention̨ to patients and their problems in illness.
The establishment of National Carer's Day is intended to highlight the unique relationship between the patient and their carer and to emphasise the huge role of the carer in the illness and recovery process. It is also a call for increased activitieś education and real assistance that can imprové quality of life and make it easieŕ to care for sick loved ones.
The organisations that have signed a joint declaration to mark the day are The Institute for Patient Rights and Health Education, the Polish Coalition of Oncology Patients Foundation, the Mazovian Association of People with Parkinson's Disease, the 'OnkoCafe - Together Better' Foundation, the EuropaColon Poland Foundation, the Federation of Amazon Associations, the Oncology Alivia Foundation and the 'Appetite for Life' Association.