Ideas change everything

The hidden role informal caregivers play in health care

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Scott Williams |

TED@Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

• November 2017

Once a cared-for patient and now a caregiver himself, Scott Williams highlights the invaluable role of informal caregivers -- those friends and relatives who, out of love, go the extra mile for patients in need. From personal care to advocacy to emotional support, unpaid caregivers form the invisible backbone of health and social systems all over the world, Williams says -- and without them, these systems would crumble. "How can we make sure that their value to patients and society is recognized?" he asks.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Once a cared-for patient and now a caregiver himself, Scott Williams highlights the invaluable role of informal caregivers -- those friends and relatives who, out of love, go the extra mile for patients in need. From personal care to advocacy to emotional support, unpaid caregivers form the invisible backbone of health and social systems all over the world, Williams says -- and without them, these systems would crumble. "How can we make sure that their value to patients and society is recognized?" he asks.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Meet Embracing Carers strategic advisors.

About the speaker

Patient advocate

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Scott Williams thinks the modern health systems would cease to function without the crucial role played by caregivers.

Learn more

"The untold stories of unpaid caregivers"

This short film sheds light on the experience of millions of unpaid caregivers worldwide and the toll it can take on their own health, careers and finances. It's time we pay attention to these unsung heroes.

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

Read more about the TED Institute

Meet Embracing Carers strategic advisors.