In February, Diaverum Portugal proudly organised its inaugural Symposium for Carers, bringing together 185 carers from eight different clinics through a broadcast event held at its Linda-a-Velha clinic in Lisbon. The event provided essential information, guidance, and support to those dedicated to the well-being of others.
Carers play a crucial role in the lives of chronic disease patients, often investing significant time and effort into their roles despite challenging circumstances. Being a carer has a huge impact on a person’s life, which often goes unrecognised. At Diaverum, we take a holistic, value-based approach to care that goes beyond dialysis. Our True care culture is not confined to our patients; it encompasses communities as well. This is exactly why we launch initiatives like this.
During the symposium, carers received essential insights on:
- Their rights and benefits
- Resources available to support them, including educational materials through Diaverum’s d.ACADEMY programme
- Their duties and responsibilities for informed decision-making
- Strategies to improve the quality of life for both carers and those they assist
To enrich the conversation and ensure diverse perspectives, various community associations and caregiving movements were invited to speak at the symposium alongside Diaverum representatives. Their contributions provided valuable insights and underscored the importance of a strong support network. The event also featured representatives from the Portuguese Kidney Patients Association (APIR), offering perspectives from patients themselves.
Beyond practical guidance, participants reflected on the universal nature of caregiving. Caring is not limited to a select few; it touches everyone at different moments in life. One might be a carer one day and the person receiving care the next. This reality shapes our collective journey and calls for shared responsibility from governments, institutions, families, and individuals. It means creating strong support networks, providing easily accessible health information, simplifying processes, and prioritising self-care for carers.
Marta Olim, Social Work Manager and Head of Social Responsibility at Diaverum Portugal, said: “At Diaverum, we believe that True care extends to everyone—patients, families, carers, and the community at large. That’s exactly why we organised this symposium. The event was a result of great team effort, with multiple departments working together to ensure its success”.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, to the incredible Diaverum Portugal team whose dedication made this event possible, and to the associations and patient representatives who shared their invaluable experiences. Together, we are shaping a future where care is recognised, supported, and celebrated”.