Which of the following describes informal support?

Informal support refers to assistance provided by individuals who are not part of a formal service system. This type of support typically involves relationships that are personal and familiar, such as help provided by friends and family members. Unpaid help is characteristic of informal support because it relies on social networks and strong interpersonal connections rather than contractual or professional arrangements. This support can take many forms, such as caregiving, emotional support, or practical assistance with daily activities.

The other options listed involve professional or organized assistance. Paid homecare assistance and professional services typically operate through formal arrangements, often including payment and regulatory oversight, which distinguishes them from the relational and volunteer-driven nature of informal support. Volunteer-based help, while important and valuable, is still categorized differently because it is usually organized through community programs or agencies, making it somewhat formal in its structure compared to the spontaneous and personal nature of help from family and friends.