Carers recognised and supported
Initiatives worth more than $20 million are being introduced to assist carers perform their vital roles.
Who are carers?
Carers are a diverse group and every caring situation is unique.
The Queensland Government Carer Recognition Policy defines carers as: ". a person of any age who, without being paid, cares for another person who needs ongoing support because of a long-term medical condition, a mental illness, a disability, frailty or the need for palliative care. A carer may or may not be a family member and may or may not live with the person. Volunteers under the auspices of a voluntary organisation are not included."
Carers may be family members, neighbours and friends. Many carers live with the person they care for, but not always. Carers can give support with everyday matters, and assist with the health and wellbeing of the person in their care. This can include tasks of daily living and social, emotional, spiritual and physical support.
Queensland carers are set to benefit from the Queensland Government Carer Action Plan 2006-10, released last December.
The whole-of-government initiative is part of the government's ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting the significant contribution carers make to the community.
In 2003 the Queensland Government Carer Recognition Policy was released as a first step towards recognising carers. The plan now sets out concrete actions to support carers and describes how the government will work with carers as partners in care.
"Many Queenslanders give their time and energy - unpaid and often unrecognised - to care for others," Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt says.
"The Queensland Government is committed to fostering understanding of carers' roles and generating practical support for them."
The initiatives set out in the plan include:
- $6 million over four years for the introduction of two cards:
- the Carer Card to provide discounts for carers at participating businesses, and
- an access card for people with a disability to enable their carer to accompany them to participating venues free of charge or at discounted admission prices
- $5 million over three years for a succession planning project to help families address the future care needs of relatives with a disability
- $8.3 million over two years for respite for ageing carers
- strategies to assist carers and consumers in the mental health system
- programs to increase awareness, understanding and support of young carers in schools
- flexible training through TAFE to support young carers' education
- a community education strategy on work/life balance and assessment measures for businesses to evaluate work/life balance policies
- programs to assist parents and carers not in paid employment to re-enter the workforce, and
- funding to improve information and resources to support carers in performing their vital role.
For a copy of the Carer Action Plan, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 177 120 or TTY 1800 010 222.
A new booklet for carers outlining how to plan for the future care and accommodation of a person with a disability is now available. The Special Disability Trusts - Getting Things Sorted booklet is available at www.facsia.gov.au or by phoning 1800 059 009.
Last updated November 2007