Launched today, Anglicare Sydney’s Carers: Doing it Tough, Doing it Well report raises concerns about unmet needs of carers under the NDIS. It also indicates the need for more support programs for carers of people with a disability.
The report echoes the concerns of many across the sector that carer supports will be diminished under the NDIS. Respite, highlighted in the report Give us a break! also released today by Carers NSW, is a particular concern.
“Under the NDIS, it is assumed that carers will find some respite when the needs of those with a disability are met. Unfortunately, initial feedback from the sector suggests that the needs of some carers may not be met under this new system,” states Susan King, Anglicare Advocacy and Research Manager.
“Anglicare research confirms the positive impact of existing carer support programs. Our concern is that current levels of carer supports will not be maintained under the NDIS.”
Carers NSW research gives weight to these concerns, with many carers reporting that they believe respite is a service for carers, as well as the people they care for. These findings are particularly significant as the focus of respite-type services shifts from carers to people with a disability.
Despite stress levels of carers continuing to be high, Anglicare research shows marked improvements in overall wellbeing for carers who accessed Support Coordination Programs (SCP) and Respite Options Programs (ROP) – programs which will close as funds are directed to the NDIS.
Drawing on survey results collected over six years, the report found:
“We welcome carer initiatives from the Department of Social Services like the Integrated Carer Support Service (ICSS) and the Carer Gateway. We will continue to recommend a care coordinator to provide one-on-one, holistic assistance to carers under the new system,” says Ms King.
Other Anglicare recommendations include:
Media contact: publicaffairs@anglicare.org.au