The caregiving profession has emerged as one of Europe’s most vital yet underrecognised sectors. With 80% of long-term care provided by informal carers across the continent, millions of individuals work tirelessly to support elderly relatives, disabled family members, and those with chronic illnesses. However, when these caregivers seek formal employment opportunities, they often encounter a significant obstacle: the experience letter problem.
For caregivers who have worked informally—without contracts, payslips, or official documentation—proving their experience becomes a formidable challenge. This comprehensive guide explores the experience letter problem as a caregiver, offering practical solutions and alternatives that can help you transition from informal to formal employment.
Understanding the Informal Caregiving Landscape in Europe
Before we delve into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the magnitude of informal caregiving across Europe. According to recent research published in The Lancet, the informal family care burden in Europe is projected to increase by 50% from 2000 to 2050. The study reveals that informal care demand will grow from 7.98 million Years Lived Caregiving (YLCs) in 2000 to 11.9 million in 2050.
In Greece specifically, an estimated 34% of the population—more than 3.6 million people—provide informal care, yet formal recognition of this work remains severely limited. A study published in BMC Nursing found that 78.8% of families provide informal in-hospital care in Greek rehabilitation settings, highlighting the prevalence of undocumented caregiving work.
The economic value of this informal care is staggering. Eurocarers reports that informal care is estimated to be around 2.5% of the EU’s GDP—exceeding the 1.7% spent on formal long-term care services in 2019.
What Is an Experience Letter and Why Does It Matter?
An experience letter, also known as an employment verification letter, is a formal document issued by a previous employer that confirms your employment history. It typically includes:
- Your job title and role
- Employment dates (start and end)
- Key responsibilities and duties
- Skills demonstrated
- Performance evaluation (in some cases)
For caregiver positions, experience letters serve as critical proof of your competence, reliability, and practical skills. Employers use these documents during the caregiver background verification process to assess candidates’ suitability for roles that require trust, medical knowledge, and emotional intelligence.
However, when you’ve worked as a home caregiver for family members, neighbours, or through informal arrangements, obtaining such documentation becomes nearly impossible.
The Experience Letter Problem: Why Informal Caregivers Struggle
1. No Formal Employment Relationship
When you care for a relative or provide services through word-of-mouth arrangements, there’s typically no official employer-employee relationship. This means:
- No employment contracts
- No payslips or tax documentation
- No formal job descriptions
- No HR department to issue verification letters
2. Cultural Norms and Family Obligations
In many European countries, particularly in Southern Europe, family-based care is the cultural norm. Research on gender care gaps in Europe shows that women disproportionately provide informal care, with significant differences between Nordic and Southern European countries in terms of care arrangements.
In Greece, for instance, families bear the primary responsibility for eldercare due to limited public facilities. With only two public geriatric care facilities serving Central Macedonia’s 1.8 million inhabitants—where 21% of the population is over 65—informal family caregiving becomes not just common but essential.
3. Lack of Documentation Awareness
Many informal caregivers don’t realise the importance of documentation until they seek formal employment. By that time, years of valuable experience have passed without any written record.
4. Grey Economy Concerns
Some informal caregiving arrangements operate in the grey economy, where both parties prefer to avoid official documentation for various reasons. This creates additional complications when seeking formal employment later.
Practical Solutions: Alternative Proof of Caregiving Work
If you’re facing the caregiver experience letter problem, don’t despair. Several viable alternatives can help demonstrate your caregiving experience without traditional employment documentation.
1. Statutory Declarations and Affidavits
A statutory declaration or affidavit is a formal written statement where you declare certain facts to be true. The key differences are:
Statutory Declarations:
- Used outside of court settings
- Declared (affirmed) rather than sworn under oath
- Signed before an authorised witness (notary public, justice of the peace, lawyer)
- Commonly used for administrative and commercial matters
Affidavits:
- Typically used in legal proceedings
- Sworn under oath or affirmation
- Carry the same legal weight as court testimony
- Signed before an authorised official
For caregiving experience without documents, a statutory declaration can serve as an alternative to experience letter. According to legal experts, statutory declarations hold significant legal weight and can establish facts where other evidence is unavailable.
What to Include in Your Statutory Declaration:
- Your full name, address, and contact details
- Detailed description of caregiving duties performed
- Names and relationships of care recipients (with permission)
- Duration and frequency of care provided
- Specific skills utilised (medication management, mobility assistance, meal preparation, etc.)
- Any informal training or courses completed
- Statement that the information is true to the best of your knowledge
Cost: In British Columbia, Canada, for example, statutory declarations cost between £30-60 (CAD $40-80) depending on the notary. Costs vary by jurisdiction, so check local requirements.
2. Reference Letters from Care Recipients or Their Families
If your care recipients are still living or their family members are available, request a detailed reference letter for caregiver work. This personal testimony can be remarkably powerful.
Essential Elements:
- Letterhead or official identification of the reference provider
- Relationship to the caregiver
- Duration and nature of caregiving provided
- Specific tasks and responsibilities
- Personal qualities observed (patience, reliability, compassion)
- Concrete examples of exceptional care
- Contact information for verification
A sample caregiver reference letter demonstrates that family members can provide compelling evidence of your capabilities, especially when they detail how your care improved their loved one’s quality of life.
3. Detailed Portfolio of Experience
Create a comprehensive portfolio documenting your informal caregiving experience:
Medical Documentation:
- Copies of medical appointment schedules you managed
- Medication lists you maintained
- Care logs or journals (if kept)
- Health monitoring records
Photographic Evidence:
- Photos of activities with care recipients (with permission)
- Documentation of adapted equipment you used
- Before/after photos of care improvements (maintaining privacy)
Witness Statements:
- Statements from healthcare professionals who observed your work
- Letters from neighbours or community members
- Testimonials from support groups
Training Certificates:
- First aid or CPR certifications
- Dementia care training
- Nutrition or special diet courses
- Online caregiving courses completed
4. Professional Assessment and Skills Evaluation
Consider undergoing formal skills assessment through:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Many vocational training organisations offer RPL programmes that assess and certify skills gained through informal experience. These certifications can substitute for traditional experience letters.
Competency-Based Assessments: Healthcare institutions sometimes offer practical assessments where you demonstrate caregiving skills. Successful completion provides official certification of your abilities.
5. Self-Employed Caregiver Status Documentation
If you provided care in exchange for payment (even informal), you might be able to claim self-employed status retrospectively:
- Bank statements showing regular payments
- Informal receipts or payment records
- Tax declarations (if filed)
- Contracts or agreements (even informal written ones)
6. Employer-Specific Alternatives
Some progressive employers recognise the caregiver experience without documents problem and offer alternatives:
Trial Periods: Request a paid or unpaid trial period where you can demonstrate your skills directly.
Skills-Based Interviews: Participate in practical assessments or scenario-based interviews that evaluate real-world caregiving abilities rather than paperwork.
Character References: Provide multiple character references from community leaders, religious figures, or respected individuals who can attest to your integrity and capabilities.
Country-Specific Recognition: Greece as a Case Study
Greece presents a particularly instructive example of the informal caregiving challenge. Research published in PMC reveals that during the financial crisis, families provided extensive informal care in Greek hospitals due to nursing staff shortages, with 82.9% of nurses reporting that most patients had family members providing basic nursing care.
In Greece’s long-term care system, there is no universal statutory scheme. By 2060, it’s projected that over 50% of the population aged 15+ will have no access to formal home care or institutional care. This creates both a challenge and an opportunity:
The Challenge: Informal caregivers have limited pathways to formal recognition.
The Opportunity: Growing demand means employers are increasingly willing to consider alternative forms of experience verification.
The Headway Mental Health Index highlights that countries like Greece and Bulgaria show the highest economic reliance on informal caregiving, valued at €214 billion across Europe. This economic reality is gradually pushing policymakers and employers towards greater recognition of informal care experience.
Building Your Case: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Document Everything Retrospectively
Start by creating a detailed timeline of your caregiving experience:
- List all individuals you’ve cared for
- Note dates (even approximate)
- Detail specific responsibilities
- Record any critical incidents or achievements
- List any informal training or mentorship received
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect any available documentation:
- Calendar entries or diary notes
- Text messages or emails discussing care duties
- Payment records or receipts
- Photos or videos (with consent)
- Medical appointment records where you’re listed as caregiver
Step 3: Obtain Formal Statements
Request written statements from:
- Care recipients (if able)
- Family members of care recipients
- Healthcare professionals who observed your work
- Neighbours or friends who witnessed your caregiving
- Community leaders who know your work
Step 4: Create Professional Documentation
Prepare professional versions of your evidence:
- Type all handwritten notes
- Organise documents chronologically
- Create a cover letter explaining your situation
- Prepare a summary sheet highlighting key skills
- Have declarations notarised where appropriate
Step 5: Address the Gap Proactively
When applying for caregiver job without experience letter, be upfront:
In Your Cover Letter: “While my caregiving experience was gained through informal family care arrangements, I have thoroughly documented my experience through statutory declarations and reference letters from care recipients’ families. I am confident that my practical skills and compassionate approach will make me an asset to your organisation.”
In Interviews: Be prepared to explain the circumstances of your informal work, emphasise the skills gained, and offer to demonstrate your capabilities through practical assessment or trial periods.
Understanding Employer Perspectives
To successfully navigate the caregiver employment verification challenge, it’s helpful to understand what concerns employers have and how to address them:
Employer Concern 1: Verifying Claimed Skills
Solution: Offer practical demonstrations, agree to skills assessments, or provide detailed portfolios showing your work.
Employer Concern 2: Reliability and Work Ethic
Solution: Provide multiple character references and emphasise your years of consistent, committed caregiving—often without breaks or holidays.
Employer Concern 3: Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Solution: Ensure all alternative documentation is properly notarised and legally sound. Consider obtaining relevant certifications to supplement your informal experience.
Employer Concern 4: Liability and Insurance
Solution: Be willing to undergo training, complete probationary periods, or accept graduated responsibility as you prove yourself.
Legal Considerations and Protections
When creating alternative documentation for proof of caregiving work, be aware of legal requirements:
Accuracy and Truthfulness
All statutory declarations and affidavits must be truthful. False statements can result in perjury charges, fines, or imprisonment. Never exaggerate or fabricate experience.
Data Protection and Privacy
When documenting care for others, ensure you have permission to use:
- Names and personal details
- Medical information
- Photographs or videos
- Specific circumstances of care
Under GDPR and equivalent legislation, unauthorised disclosure of personal information can result in significant penalties.
Witness Requirements
Statutory declarations must be witnessed by authorised individuals:
- Notaries public
- Justices of the peace
- Lawyers or solicitors
- Commissioners of oaths
Check your jurisdiction’s specific requirements.
Transitioning to Formal Employment: Long-Term Strategies
While addressing immediate documentation challenges, consider long-term strategies for professional development:
1. Pursue Formal Qualifications
Enrol in recognised caregiving courses:
- Certificate in Health and Social Care
- National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Specialised dementia or disability care training
These credentials complement your informal experience and demonstrate commitment to professional standards.
2. Join Professional Associations
Membership in caregiving associations provides:
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development resources
- Credibility enhancement
- Access to industry standards and best practices
3. Volunteer Through Recognised Organisations
Volunteering through established organisations creates documented experience:
- Hospice care programmes
- Respite care services
- Community health initiatives
- Charity care organisations
This builds your formal CV whilst utilising your existing skills.
4. Start with Accessible Roles
Consider entry points that are more flexible about documentation:
- Live-in care positions where employers meet you directly
- Private family arrangements (but ensure contracts this time!)
- Agency work that offers training alongside employment
- Part-time or temporary roles that can become permanent
5. Build a Digital Presence
Create professional profiles showcasing your expertise:
- LinkedIn profile highlighting skills and testimonials
- Personal website or blog about caregiving
- Testimonial videos from families you’ve helped (with permission)
- Portfolio of your caregiving philosophy and approach
The Future of Caregiver Recognition in Europe
Policy developments across Europe suggest growing recognition of informal caregiving:
The European Commission’s research on informal care acknowledges that most European countries now provide some form of financial support for informal carers, either directly or indirectly. This growing institutional recognition may eventually extend to formal experience accreditation.
With the caregiver support ratio declining significantly across Europe—from approximately 5 potential caregivers per older person in 2020 to a projected 2 by 2050—demand for professional caregivers will continue to rise. This demographic pressure may accelerate reform in how informal experience is recognised and valued.
Opportunities for Indian Caregivers in Greece and Europe
For Indian caregivers seeking international opportunities, the timing couldn’t be better. Greece is actively recruiting foreign workers to address critical labour shortages, with healthcare, elderly care, and home assistance positions among the 2,500 jobs available in 2025.
The bilateral agreement between Greece and India, negotiated in 2025, aims to bring approximately 50,000 Indian workers annually to Greece. This historic agreement, discussed during Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ official visit to India, specifically targets sectors experiencing acute labour shortages—including elderly care and healthcare services.
According to recent labour market data, Greece faces a major shortage of medical staff, particularly doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and elderly caregivers. With the country’s rapidly ageing population and only two public geriatric care facilities serving Central Macedonia’s 1.8 million inhabitants, the demand for professional caregivers continues to grow exponentially.
Why Greece Is an Attractive Destination for Indian Caregivers
Competitive Compensation: Caregivers in Greece can earn competitive European salaries. According to industry data, caregivers in European countries earn between €1,800 to €3,300 net per month, significantly higher than typical wages in India.
Pathway to European Settlement: The Greece Work Visa provides a legal pathway to live and work in an EU country, with opportunities for family reunification after obtaining residence permits. Initial work permits are valid for one year, with renewable options for long-term settlement.
Cultural Connection: Research on migrant care workers shows that Indian caregivers are amongst the preferred workforce in long-term care across multiple countries, with bilateral agreements between Ireland, the UK, and several Canadian provinces specifically recruiting Indian nurses and caregivers.
Professional Growth: Working in Europe provides international experience that significantly enhances career prospects, with exposure to advanced healthcare systems, modern caregiving practices, and professional development opportunities unavailable in many home countries.
How Grandmama Helps Caregivers Overcome the Experience Letter Problem
The experience letter problem as a caregiver is common, especially for those with informal or family-based caregiving experience.
Grandmama bridges this gap by offering internationally recognised certification, expert documentation support, and direct connections with employers across Greece and Europe. Caregivers receive help creating valid alternatives to experience letters—such as affidavits, reference packages, and professional portfolios—while benefiting from end-to-end support covering training, visas, placement, and relocation.
Hundreds of Indian caregivers have already secured legal jobs in Greece and are earning 3–5 times more than in India, gaining recognised credentials, and building stable careers abroad. With continued post-placement support, Grandmama ensures caregivers settle confidently into their new roles.
If you’re ready to turn informal caregiving experience into a recognised international career, Grandmama provides the guidance, certification, and employer access to make it possible.
Get Expert Guidance on Working Abroad
Your Experience Has Value
The experience letter problem as a caregiver is real, but it’s not insurmountable. Your years of informal caregiving have equipped you with invaluable skills: patience, medical knowledge, emotional intelligence, crisis management, and deep compassion. These qualities cannot be fabricated or learned from textbooks alone.
While the lack of traditional documentation presents challenges, the alternatives outlined in this guide—statutory declarations, reference letters, skills portfolios, and professional assessments—can effectively demonstrate your capabilities to prospective employers.
Remember that across Europe, 80% of long-term care is provided by informal carers like you. You’re not alone in facing this challenge, and progressive employers increasingly recognise that formal documentation doesn’t always reflect true competence.
Take action today:
- Document your experience thoroughly
- Obtain statutory declarations or affidavits
- Request reference letters from those you’ve cared for
- Pursue formal certifications to complement your experience
- Approach employers confidently, prepared to demonstrate your skills
Your informal caregiving experience isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. With proper documentation and strategic presentation, you can successfully transition into formal employment and continue making a difference in people’s lives whilst building a secure, recognised career.
FAQs on Caregiver experience letter
1. What is the experience letter problem as a caregiver?
The experience letter problem as a caregiver occurs when caregivers have worked informally—often for family members or private households—and do not have official documents to prove their work when applying for caregiver jobs.
2. Can I get a caregiver job without an experience letter?
Yes. Many employers understand the caregiver experience letter problem and accept alternatives such as affidavits, reference letters, skill assessments, or certified training, especially for those who worked as caregivers informally.
3. How can I prove caregiver experience without documents?
If you face an experience letter problem as a caregiver, you can provide statutory declarations, reference letters from families, caregiving portfolios, training certificates, or professional assessments as proof of caregiving work.
4. Is informal caregiving experience accepted for caregiver jobs abroad?
In many European countries, informal caregiving experience is recognised when properly documented. Employers increasingly accept caregiver experience without documents if supported by legal declarations, references, and certifications.
5. What can replace an experience letter for caregivers?
Common alternatives to an experience letter include affidavits for caregiver experience, reference letters, skill-based evaluations, and internationally recognised caregiver certifications, which help resolve the experience letter problem as a caregiver.