Advocating for Better Support Services for Family Carers
Family carers play an essential role in supporting individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. Carers often sacrifice their financial security, physical health, and personal well-being to provide essential support to individuals in need. Often at a significant personal cost, they must be in the best physical, mental, and emotional conditions to provide the best care for their relatives or clients. According to the Department of Social Services, there are around 3 million Australians who provide care for people with disability, mental illness, or the elderly.
Despite their contributions, carers frequently face challenges that can negatively impact their well-being and the quality of care they provide. Better support services are urgently needed to empower carers and improve outcomes for those they care for. These include financial assistance, access to education and training, and comprehensive healthcare support.
In this article:
Laws to Protect and Promote the Welfare of Carers
Laws and policies that protect carers and recognise their crucial role in society are essential. Laws for the welfare of carers in Australia and New Zealand formally recognise the huge contribution of carers as well as the challenges they face. Having these laws ensures that carers have access to necessary resources such as healthcare and financial aid, as well as providing legal protection to safeguard them from burnout and exploitation.
Laws that mandate workplace flexibility, mental health support, and better training ensure that carers can balance their caregiving responsibilities with their professional and personal lives. These protections not only uplift the well-being of carers but also improve the quality of care for recipients, ensuring consistent and compassionate support. Strengthened legal frameworks also encourage societal awareness about the value of carers, fostering a culture of respect and shared responsibility. As the demands on carers continue to grow, comprehensive legal support is vital to building resilient communities that prioritise care and wellbeing.
Australia: The Carers Recognition Act 2021
The Carers Recognition Act 2021 aims to recognise and support the essential role that carers play in Australian society. It outlines principles to acknowledge carers as partners in care, ensuring their contributions are valued and respected. The Act also emphasises the importance of involving carers in government decision-making processes related to the people they support and improving their access to resources and services. Key aspects of the Act include:
Promoting awareness of carers and their roles within service providers and the broader community.
Highlighting the importance of recognising carers as equal partners in the care process.
Encouraging organisations to adopt practices that actively support carers.
The Act also serves as a guideline for service providers to respect carers' rights and ensure that their needs are considered when delivering services. It reinforces the critical role carers play in improving the well-being of individuals requiring assistance, advocating for their inclusion in policy and care planning.
New Zealand: Carers’ Strategy and Carers’ Strategy Action Plan 2019-2023
The New Zealand Carers' Strategy 2008 and the Carers’ Strategy Action Plan 2019-2023 are key frameworks designed to support carers in New Zealand, recognising their invaluable contribution to the community and ensuring they have access to the resources they need.
The Carers' Strategy, introduced in 2008, is a partnership between the NZ government and the Carers Alliance. It provides a vision for improving the lives of carers by recognising their contributions and ensuring their needs are considered in government policies. This strategy reflects a commitment to building a supportive and inclusive environment for carers while addressing the challenges they face.
The 2019-2023 Mahi Aroha- Action Plan builds on the 2008 strategy, offering a roadmap for addressing carers' evolving needs through targeted initiatives. The plan promotes collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and carers to deliver meaningful, sustainable changes that improve carers' quality of life. The Mahi Aroha responds to the needs that carers have expressed as what matters to them. Key priorities include:
Enhancing financial support for carers.
Providing better access to respite services.
Improving employment opportunities and workplace flexibility for carers.
Ensuring carers are consulted and involved in policy development.
The Importance of Financial Assistance
Financial strain is one of the most significant challenges faced by family carers. Due to their responsibilities, many carers are unable to have full-time work which leads to a reduced household income. At the same time, there are other additional costs such as medical expenses, specialised equipment, and transportation that can add up to the costs. According to the Australian Department of Social Services (DSS), financial support initiatives like the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance help alleviate some of this burden by providing income support to eligible carers.
However, this financial assistance often falls short of covering the true costs associated with caregiving. Advocacy for increased financial assistance is crucial to ensure carers can continue their vital work without jeopardising their financial security. Enhanced funding can help carers maintain a decent standard of living and reduce stress, allowing them to focus on providing quality care.
Expanding eligibility criteria for these payments and streamlining application processes could also make financial assistance more accessible. Many carers struggle to navigate the complex systems required to access support, which can lead to missed opportunities for much-needed aid. Simplifying these systems and providing better outreach to inform carers of their options can make a meaningful difference.
In Australia, the government entity Services Australia also provides financial assistance for Australians who provide care to persons with serious illness, disability, or old aged. Depending on the type of care being provided, carers can apply for different financial assistance and meet the requirements indicated in their website.
For carers who provide constant care to any individual who has a disability, medical condition or is frail aged for at least 6 months.
Can be for one or more people being cared for at home or in the hospital
payment for carers who provide daily support to any individual who has a disability, medical condition or is frail aged for at least 12 months.
An allowance of $153.50 is given fortnightly
Carers can get an annual payment of up to $600 if they get the following:
Carer Allowance
Carer Payment
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Partner Service Pension and Carer Allowance
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Carer Service Pension
For carers in New Zealand, various resources and financial assistance options are available through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The MSD provides support to unpaid caregivers who dedicate their time to looking after family members or others with health or disability needs. They have a comprehensive Guide for Carers that is part of the Mahi Aroha: Carers’ Strategy Action Plan 2019-2023. These resources aim to support carers in their vital roles, ensuring they can access the necessary assistance and information to effectively manage their caregiving responsibilities.
Education and Training for Carers
Proper education and training give carers the proper skills to navigate the complex challenges of caregiving. Carers often find themselves in situations requiring medical knowledge, behavioural management, and an understanding of legal and financial systems. Without formal training, many carers rely on trial and error, which can lead to burnout or inadequate care.
Organisations like My Aged Care highlight the availability of resources and training programs designed to help carers develop these skills. From here, carers can access online skills courses, phone counselling services, self-guided coaching, and other helpful services to help them improve their skills and better navigate their roles.
Online learning platforms and flexible training schedules can ensure that carers, who already face significant time constraints, can access and benefit from these opportunities. Certification programs for carers could also provide them with recognised qualifications, opening pathways to further career development and formal employment within the care sector.
Healthcare Support for Carers
The physical and emotional toll of caregiving often goes unnoticed. Carers frequently neglect their health, prioritising the needs of others. Studies show that carers are more likely to experience stress, depression, and physical health issues. Despite this, many carers lack adequate healthcare services, exacerbating their struggles. Carers should be able to care for themselves physically and mentally to provide better care.
While caring for clients or loved ones is important, carers won’t be able to fulfil their duty if they are burned out. Enhanced support should include regular health check-ups, counselling services, and respite care to provide carers with much-needed breaks. Programs like the Carer Gateway, offer some of these services, but more widespread availability is required to truly make a difference. Advocacy for expanding healthcare benefits and ensuring carers have easy access to mental health services is crucial to safeguarding their well-being.
Providing respite care options is particularly important. Short-term relief can allow carers to recharge and address their needs, reducing burnout risk. Local governments and community organisations can work together to increase the availability and affordability of respite services, ensuring that carers can take breaks without feeling guilty or burdened by the cost.
Benefits of Improved Support Services
Investing in better support services for family carers benefits not only the carers themselves but also the individuals they care for and society as a whole. Financial security, education, and healthcare access empower carers to provide more effective, high-quality care. This reduces the strain on formal healthcare systems and improves the overall well-being of care recipients.
Additionally, well-supported carers are less likely to experience burnout, enabling them to sustain their caregiving roles over the long term. This stability is essential for families relying on consistent care and fosters healthier, more resilient communities.
By addressing the challenges carers face, society acknowledges the value of their contributions and helps create a culture that prioritises mutual support and compassion. Stronger carer support systems also encourage more people to take on caregiving roles, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
Personal Alarms for Carers
Carers face a wide range of challenges in their work, from managing clients with aggressive behaviours to the risk of physical injuries such as slips and falls. These risks can cause significant stress, not only for carers but also for those they support. Ensuring carers feel safe and supported in their roles is essential for maintaining their well-being and the quality of care they provide.
One effective solution to enhance carers' safety is the use of personal alarms, such as Tunstall’s lone worker alarm. These devices offer peace of mind by enabling carers to easily request assistance at the push of a button, ensuring they can access help in emergency situations. Whether responding to a fall or an unexpected incident, personal alarms provide a vital safety net for carers working in potentially challenging environments.
Incorporating technology like lone worker safety solutions into caregiving not only reduces the risk of harm but also empowers carers to focus on their essential work without unnecessary worry. By integrating these tools into their daily routines, carers can confidently provide the support their clients or loved ones need, knowing that backup is always available when needed.
Building a robust support system for carers goes beyond financial aid and training—it’s about addressing their safety and mental well-being too. Personal alarms are a simple yet impactful way to achieve this, contributing to a caregiving environment that prioritises security and compassion.
