Although many studies have been published over the past ten years on informal support of dependent elderly, few, if any, have examined the reticence of their caregivers to use formal support services. Further understanding of this phenomenon is required, for it questions the feasability of preventive measures for this population as well as the relationship between formal and informal support systems, considered optimal by government in their efforts to rationalize today's health care services. This article presents a conceptual framework enabling us to better understand the reasons why caregivers of the elderly seldom use formal support services, and discusses health, social and research implications.

This article is about the life story of a woman who has had a career as caregiver for 25 years. Its purpose is to present the main characteristics of her career as a support person who, since the beginning, has struggled every day to find ingenious ways to meet the challenges of caring for a dependent husband. A daily struggle in which love, learning and public, social and family solidarities all come together. Who is this woman? What motivated her to embark on a career as a caregiver? What does the reality of her many learning experiences reveal? What is her attitude towards the support she receives? These are some of the questions raised in this article. Beyond the answers it may provide, it sheds light on the experience and daily management of caregiving. At the same time, it contributes to a better understanding of the family logic of caring for a dependent person.