Key principles
How will they improve or impacton carers' lives?
Are they an adequate foundation for Policy framework?
Participants were asked the question "To what extent do the proposed key principles provide the necessary foundation for an effective Carer Recognition Policy framework?"
Approximately one-quarter of the participants stated that they thought the proposed key principles provide a good basis to start from, anticipating that there would be further action from government. Many participants wanted action rather than just recognition and approximately one-quarter commented on the need for more respite, more services and more support for carers.
Meetings
More than half (16) of the discussion groups raised the need for more action to result from the Policy. The discussions focussed on the need for government to implement the key principles outlined and to make them measurable so that progress can be monitored. Some groups recognised that additional funding would be required to implement the draft Policy. Eight of the discussion groups specifically requested more support services and more respite services for carers.
Key Principles - Improvements
Participants were asked to respond to the question "What improvements do you believe should be made (to the Key Principles)". Many of the responses related more to the operational guidelines than the key principles, but have been reported as they were recorded.
The most frequently occurring theme in this section was the need for more money to be allocated to assist carers. Some participants commented that the money carers saved (by providing care themselves) should be allocated specifically to assist carers. Another frequently recurring theme was the need for carers expertise and knowledge of the person they were caring for, to be recognised so that they could become active partners in planning their loved ones care. Some service providers also raised this issue.
Many participants, both individuals and organisations, commented here and in the next section about the difficulties of balancing carers' rights with those of the care recipient. Some carers felt they had no rights and that legislation, such as a "Bill of Rights" was required to specifically address and protect carers' rights.
Some carers discussed the difficulties they had remaining in the workforce or returning to the workforce and requested special consideration from employers and specific employment assistance or programs.
Meetings
The range of issues raised during discussion groups has been reflected in the previous discussion for this topic. However, more of the discussion groups raised the need for a "bill of rights" for carers (7) and to balance carer's rights with care recipients rights (6). As previously discussed, the "bill of rights" appears to have been suggested as a strategy to protect carers' rights.
One group suggested this strategy to overcome the difficulty many carers' experience accessing information about the person they are caring for due to privacy regulations. Participants also requested that carers expertise in the caring situation be recognised and for more partnerships between carers and service providers. Once again, the need for government to implement the Policy was raised (7).
Focus groups
The focus groups raised the need for further resources to be allocated to implement this Policy and to train and educate government and service providers about the Policy. They raised the need for action statements to be added to the policy so that it could be measured. In particular, they requested that the key principles mention or take into account unique situations and cultural differences.
Key Principles: Any other improvements?
Participants were asked the question "Are there other things that you identify that could improve or impact on the lives of carers?" Many practical suggestions were made as well as further comments about the need for more support, assistance and respite. Some participants felt that there needed to be more information available about the services that were available and that services needed to be offered in a coordinated rather than fragmented way.
Carers stated they wanted more choices both of service type and for themselves - they wanted to have more choice and control over their lives. Some carers and service providers stated that having easily accessible guidelines and training for carers, especially new carers was important, particularly in respect to first aid and health issues.
Last updated February 2009