Social networks and receiving informal care.

In 2001, roughly half a million people (4% of the Dutch population) received informal care from family members living outside their home, and a quarter of a million (2% of the Dutch population) received this care from acquaintances, such as friend, neighbours and work colleagues. The potential supply of informal care - indicate by the number for people in one's network - was shown to be of less importance than the actual frequency of contacts with network members. Furthermore, adults aged up to 44 years receive informal care from familly members relatively frequently. Membership of lavour organisations, churches and recreational association showed no additional correlation with the receipt of informal care form acquaintances. (aut. ref.)