Visit Carers NSW website for the
latest news, comment, training and events at Carers NSW.
Also see the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007-2012 which commits NSW Government agencies to recognise, respect and value the role that carers play in the community.
National
National Carers Week 2010
National Carers Week takes place from Sunday 17 to Saturday 23 October this year. Carer groups and those who support them will hold a range of activities across the country. Many events bring in new members to carer support groups and reach out to hidden carers. More information will be posted on the Carers NSW website closer to the date. To order free Carers Week promotional posters visit the National Carers Week website. To view the posters, click here.
National Carers Day Out will be held on Tuesday 19 October. Carers and the general public are invited to join a range of service providers as well as performers for a day of information and entertainment at Martin Place when The City of Sydney will celebrate and acknowledge the role of carers with a free event in the heart of the city.
The program is funded by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services NSW (ADHC).
Carers and the Australian election 2010
Carers Australia contacted all Members of Parliament and other candidates, in the lead up to the election to ensure they were appraised of the work done by carers in Australia. To read the Carers Australia election platform click here.
Since the last Australian election there have been a number of achievements for carers: increased Carer Payment, the Carer Supplement legislated as an annual payment, fairer eligibility tests for some payments, a Parliamentary inquiry into caring in Australia and the initiation of another inquiry into a national disability long-term care scheme. Other milestones include: the National Carer Recognition Framework presented to the Australian Parliament, more relaxed taxation laws regarding Special Disability Trusts, Fair Work provision of flexible work hours for some parent carers and finally, young carers and carers in general are now identified as being at risk of social exclusion, a previously unacknowledged fact.
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New
South Wales
NSW Government's Local Carer Awards Program - nominations open
To further recognise the outstanding contribution of individual local carers the NSW Government is introducing the Local Carer Awards Program. This annual awards program aims to recognise carers who have achieved something outstanding and at the same time raise awareness of, and focus public attention on, the vital role played by carers. The NSW Award consists of a Carer Award Certificate from the Minister and a cash prize up to the value of $2500. To read more and to nominate a carer, go to the Carers NSW website. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 3 September 2010. The award winners will be announced during Carers Week celebrations in October.
Carers invited to nominate for the NSW Carers Advisory Council
The NSW Government is establishing the NSW Carers Advisory Council under the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 to advance the interests of carers and to review and make recommendations to the Minister on legislation, policy or other matters having a significant impact on carers. Read more on the Carers NSW website or Ageing, Disability and Home Care, NSW Human Services website. Applications close at 5 pm on Monday 13 September 2010.
Carers NSW 2011 Biennial Conference
The conference aims to bring together health and community care professionals, service providers, researchers and NSW Government Agencies from across NSW to provide an opportunity to explore practices and ideas, research and initiatives in carer support. The call for papers has now begun. Conference information and registration will be available at Carers NSW website from September 2010.
When: Thursday 17 and Friday 18 March 2011
Where: Novotel, Brighton-le-Sands, Sydney
Details: flyer
Understanding and supporting carers - Carers NSW in-house training
Carers NSW is offering free training tailored for service providers from government and non-government services. It is a half-day, interactive education session focusing on identifying who carers are, how the caring role impacts on them and how to support them.
When: Wednesday 15 September 2010 and later dates
Where: Carers NSW, Campbell Street, Sydney
Details: flyer
Options for reform - National Disability Insurance Scheme
This conference will provide an opportunity to explore the options for reform arising out of the Australian Government's Inquiry into disability care and support. The conference will examine the main proposals for reform. All options are on the table.
When: Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 March 2011
Where: Angliss Conference Centre, Melbourne
Details: website
Consumers reforming health. The next wave in community engagement in health care
Participation by health consumers and those who represent them helps allocate health resources and develop priorities in health. Health Issues Centre, Melbourne, is hosting the inaugural international conference for community engagement in health care.
When: Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 July 2011
Where: Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
Details: website
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Setting up carer support groups
Carers NSW has published a guide to setting up and running carer support groups. It covers a wide range of topics including how to get in touch with carers, how to manage the development of the group and other more practical matters like insurance. Read the guide.
NSW Ombudsman's report
In the last few days, the NSW Ombudsman has tabled a report in the NSW Parliament on residential care centres. Read the report.
5th International Carers Conference Leeds UK - New frontiers in caring: 2010 and beyond
The International Carers Conference concluded in mid July and featured debate and information from world experts on care, ageing and technology. The conference blog included a reflection on the presentation of Professor Heinz Woolf. He is quoted as saying "Gadgets cannot care for people so whilst we have great inventions and technology we must reorganise society to be more caring." Read more on the conference blog.
For photos of the event, click here. For conference podcasts, click here.
NSW Health - Local Health Network Discussion Paper
NSW Health has released a discussion paper proposing the establishment of 17 Local Health Networks (LHNs) in NSW. There is a 4 week consultation period. Read the submission by Carers NSW.
The discussion paper proposes 15 LHNs comprising a group of hospitals with geographical or functional links. In addition there will be two specialist networks – the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (Randwick and Westmead) and Forensic Services. Local clinicians will be included in the membership of governing councils. Access the paper here. For a response from the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW see their media release.
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Health, Education and Community Indicators for NSW
The NSW Parliamentary Library Research Service has published online a selection of statistical indicators in the fields of health, education and community in NSW. The data has been collected primarily from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and captures recent trends in NSW in each of these three fields. Comparisons are made to other States and Territories as well as between various regions within New South Wales. Visit the website for more.
Free tapes for carers 
A collection of music and stories on audiocassette has been donated to Carers NSW and is being offered free to carers. See what is available by clicking on these lists - either music or story. Email us with your choices. Please provide alternative selections in case your choices are no longer available. If carers would prefer to write to claim audiocassettes, address the request to Tom Fink Library, Carers NSW, PO Box 20156, World Square NSW 2002.
A
Hung Australian Parliament hangs seniors out to dry
The Combined
Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA) has appealed to politicians to remember pensioners and low-income households during the negotiations between the major parties and the Independents after the national election on 21 August. The CPSA wants dental care under Medicare, no cuts to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, pensions and allowances that keep pace with inflation and reform of the aged care sector. Read more.
Dementia fuels aged care demand
Economic modelling shows that a drastic under-supply of residential and community aged care places will result if more effort is not made to deal with this shortfall in accommodation options. The demand is largely driven by growth in the number of people with dementia, according to a recent report from Access Economics. Read the report, commissioned by Alzheimer's Australia, entitled Caring places: planning for aged care and dementia 2010-2050.
Poll reflects concern over ageing
A Galaxy poll indicates that 8 out of 10 people are concerned about planning for the aged. Read more.
Social networking for baby boomers and families
A social networking site has been designed without generation X or Y in mind. Read about Finer Day which offers Facebook style features without poking, tagging, twitpiccing or other jargon. Finer Day has been recommended
by the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) which also supports Cyber Club, a group that gives encouragement and advice on social media and computer skills for seniors. Read about Cyber Club.
Journal article
The building bridges project. Involving older adults in the design of a communication technology to support peer-to-peer social engagement
Joseph Wherton and David Prendergast
Loneliness can affect a significant proportion of older
adults, studies have shown. Social isolation can contribute to this situation. Social networking has the potential to help alleviate loneliness. This study examines the use of text messaging, email and the internet among older people. Read the article.
Falls in older people
Fear of falling, leads to falling.
This is the contradictory finding of new research by Neuroscience Research Australia. Fear of falling in the elderly can be a self-fulfilling factor leading to falls irrespective of the individual's physical risk. Read about the study.
Carers invited to nominate for the NSW Carers Advisory Council
People with knowledge and experience relating to carers are invited to apply for membership of the NSW Carers Advisory Council. Up to 12 members will be appointed. Read more in the 'News' section of this e-bulletin.
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Election platform for carers
During the 2010 Australian election, Carers Australia called for the right of all carers to request flexible working arrangements which would allow them to stay in the workforce while fulfilling their caring role. The new Fair Work Act allows parents with children under 16 to request flexible work hours but omits carers of the elderly and other carers. Examine what is meant by 'flexible work hours' under the provisions of the Fair Work Act. Read the Carers Australia media release. The Australian Greens support this campaign.
Ways to work. A report on employment support for carers of adults with an intellectual disability
This report, released in August by Carers Victoria, explores the impact of caring on workforce participation, focusing on the experience of long-term carers. The report will soon be available on their website.
Community sector wage increases
Fair Work Australia has heard wages claims during August from social and community services sector workers. Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) has called on the Australian Government to sustain services to service recipients if wages in the sector surge as they have in Queensland. CSSA argues that since community organisations are dependent on government funding to met salary commitments, they do not want to be faced with the prospect of cutting services to fulfil their wage obligations. Read the CSSA submission to Fair work Australia.
A similar appeal has come from the Australian Council of Social Service with an emphasis on equal wages for employees compared to counterparts in government and private sectors. Read more details.
Medical costs rising
Rising medical costs prevents patients visiting the doctor surveys have shown. Read more from the Doctors Reform Society.
Carers
and legal issues
Representing yourself in court?
LawAssist, an initiative of the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General, provides free online information for people attempting to represent themselves in the NSW Local Court system. The website deals with small claims debt cases from the perspective of both the creditor and the debtor. Later in the year, information about car accidents and apprehended violence orders will be added.
The Law Handbook online
Selected chapters of the The Law Handbook: Your Practical Guide to the Law in New South Wales 2009 are now available online through the Find Legal Answers website. The chapters are:
the legal system, accidents and compensation, contracts, criminal law and family law. Read the online chapters.
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Major Australian political parties support National Disability Insurance Scheme
All three major parties have confirmed their support for reform of the disability sector including the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. The National Disability and Carer Alliance asked the Coalition, Greens and the Labor Party for their position on disability reform and a National Disability Insurance Scheme. Read their commitment.
National Disability Strategy
During the 2010 Australian election campaign the Government announced its intention to expand early intervention programs for children with disabilities, extend Medicare for school aged children with special needs and provide supported accommodation for an extra 150 people. Read the details.
Carers Australia welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement but reminded the Government that there are 28,000 parent carers over the age of 65 caring for an adult son or daughter in Australia. One hundred and fifty supported accommodation places is a drop in the ocean. Read the media release.
While other organisations also welcomed the announcement, many see a National Disability Insurance Scheme as central to the future care and support for people living with disabilities and their carers. The initial submission due date to the Australian Productivity Commission Inquiry into disability care and support passed on 16 August 2010. View Carers NSW submission and others. Further opportunity for comment will be possible after the release of the draft report, expected in February 2011.
Livable Housing Design guidelines
The housing industry has agreed to voluntary design guidelines that aim to build houses that can be adapted to meet the changing needs of residents over their lifetime. The start date for the new code is 2020. Core design elements are:
- A level, continuous path from the street entrance or parking area to a house
- At least one level entrance into the dwelling
- Internal doors and halls that facilitate unimpeded movement
- A toilet on the ground level that provides easy access
- A bathroom that contains a step-free shower recess
- Reinforced walls around the toilet, shower and bath to support the installation of grab rails
Read details on the guidelines. Not everyone has welcomed the plan. Read The Australian article, If you're disabled, just wait outside for 10 years, which takes issue with the start date of the scheme. Read more on the author of this article, Bill Moss.
Younger onset dementia
Alzheimer's NSW
has received a $250,000 NSW Government grant to fund research into support for people with younger onset dementia. Read more. Carers NSW advocated support for this condition in its NSW Budget Submission 2010-2011. Read about an innovative support program for younger onset dementia in an article featured in Carers News February/March 2010 or visit the website set up for those interested in the condition.
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NSW Health Care Complaints Commission fact sheet
Not happy with your doctor?
The Commission
has produced a fact sheet for people with intellectual disability and low literacy levels who are not happy with their doctor. The ideas are explained in simple English and illustrated in colour. Download the fact sheet.
Unnecessary restraint of people with intellectual disability
The Australian Psychological Society has published guidelines to reduce the need for physical or chemical restraint in the disability sector. At present in draft form only, the guide hopes to offer professional leadership on the issue. Read more.
Disability statistics
The Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has compiled various sources of data on disability. Information paper. ABS sources of disability information 2003-2008 is available at the ABS website. Those waiting for the ABS Survey of disability, ageing and carers 2009 results will need to wait until early 2011.
Person-centred approach to disability services in NSW
After an extensive consultation process across the state, the NSW Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose,
has reaffirmed that Stronger Together 2 will deliver a person-centred approach including individualised funding packages. Read the media release.
MyLanguage Conference 2010 State library NSW
New technologies have the potential to promote inclusion and foster a more satisfying settlement experience for new arrivals to Australia. A conference for library professionals interested in the use of new technologies in CALD and Aboriginal communities took place in Sydney this month. The technologies considered were - mobile phones, websites, video cameras, radio broadcasting and podcasting and indigenous language sound recording amongst others. A goal in using new technologies is to help different communities to maintain their linguistic and cultural identity. Read more about the MyLanguage Conference.
Building Strong Families DVD
Building Strong Families DVD has been produced by Relationships Australia Victoria as a response to frequent approaches to the organsation by new arrivals to Australia. Migrants from Afghanistan, Vietnam, India, China, Somalia and Ethiopia speak about both the positive experiences and the setbacks when settling in a new country. Read more.
Bilingual educators for aged care
TRI Community Exchange's Nepean Multicultural Access Project can offer free information sessions to community groups in Penrith, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury on Getting to Know the Australian Aged Care System. In partnership with the Nepean CALD Information Support Project these sessions are offered in a choice of over a dozen languages. For more information visit the TRI Community Exchange website.
NSW Government
waives health requirements for skilled migrants
The NSW Government has joined the Australian Government in a scheme
to waive health requirements for certain skilled migrants after consideration of the benefits of such a scheme. The waiver has been considered necessary because many of the migrants fill roles, like medical practitioner in remote areas, that are vital to the support of the community. Read more details.
Walking with
carers now in five community languages
Navigating the health system is time-consuming for new carers. Sydney West Area Health Service has published a guide to services and entitlements to provide a starting point for those who are new to the role. The booklet is now offered in five community languages - Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. The topics addressed are: working carers, carer payments, community health centres and information sources. The booklet is in a colour-coded flip chart format for easy hanging. While the contents are Western Sydney specific, much of the information is generic and useful to all carers. To order a copy, phone (02) 4734 2022.
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Australian election
With the outcome of the recent election still uncertain, health policy has become critical in public debate after taking a back seat during the election. The three country Independents have identified health as a critical issue when deciding who they will support to form government. The key aspects on the health agenda are - rural and regional health, e-health, mental and dental health and the health workforce. For a comprehensive analysis of these issues, visit this blog contribution from Carol Bennet, Executive Director of the Consumers Health Forum.
The National Rural Health Alliance has offered to provide briefings to all parties in the negotiations. Read the media release.
The Australian Green's will have balance of power in the Senate in the second half of 2011. Read a summary of their health position in this media release.
E-health and Carers NSW
E-health encompasses the concept of electronic health records, that is, patient records that are stored electronically and are available, with the patients consent, to health professionals. This would ensure continuity of care and assist diagnosis.
In its submission to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, Carers NSW and Carers Australia made one key recommendation in regards to e-health. The submission was that records be extended to include a carer identification field. This would serve to help health professionals identify the patient's carer, allowing them to follow up with carer support services and acknowledge them as part of the care team. Read more details. For further information about electronic health records, read the guest editorial by Anna Wise in the Carers News April/May 2010.
The e-health policy landscape is changing rapidly, and since the original publication of this article we have seen a number of developments, including the passing of healthcare identifiers legislation, announcements about person-controlled electronic health records in the 2010-11 Federal Budget and various commitments during the Federal Election campaign. The Consumers Health Forum of Australia is working to ensure that the views of health consumers and their carers are captured in the development of e-health policy and programs.
The Hunter Valley, Brisbane and Melbourne's eastern suburbs were to be the first to use electronic health records. Read the media release.
Health Consumers NSW
NSW will be able to contribute to the health reform process after the recent establishment of Health Consumers NSW. NSW has until now been the only state in Australia that does not have a state-based peak consumer organisation.
Representatives from 20 health related organisations which work with consumers, met in Sydney during August. Read more.
MyHospitals website
The Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is developing the MyHospitals in the wake of the success of the MySchools website. It will include information on hospitals drawn from existing data collections held by AIHW.
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It could be you. Female, single, older and homeless
A report on homeless older women illustrates that older women must ensure they do not jeopardise their own security when asked to help those they love.
The report is a result of research from Older Women's Network NSW, Homelessness NSW and St Vincent de Paul and was prompted by increasing numbers of older women entering the homeless population for the first time. The reasons for their predicament include divorce, illness and failure of social supports. The social services concerned cannot meet the demand of this new group. Download the report.
The How could they? project examines similar issues and has resulted in a series of fact sheets for women and service providers confronted with potential first-time female homelessness. Written for women in situations which require pause for thought, the fact sheets are imaginatively illustrated and contain essential information:
Australian 2010 election and Indigenous carers
Two months ago, the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) drew attention to Indigenous carers who they believe bear a heavy burden in remote Australia. Read the media release. This observation is in keeping with Carers Australia's research in rural and remote Australia where it was found that almost 47 per cent of carers in very remote areas are Indigenous. Read The tyranny of distance? Carers in regional and remote areas of Australia.
The recent Australian
election has brought rural and remote health into focus with three country Independents in the new House of Representatives stating the issue is central to their negotiations with the major parties to determine who should form government.
The Chairperson of the NRHA, Jenny May, works as a general practitioner in the electorate of one of the Independents, Tony Windsor. Read the election charter of the NRHA.
Aboriginal expertise offered in rural health debate
Justin Mohamed, Chair of the National Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), has welcomed examination of regional and local involvement in national politics in the wake of the recent election. Read the announcement.
First Indigenous member of Australian Parliament
The first Indigenous person is set to take his place in the Australian House of Representatives after winning the Western Australia seat of Hasluck for the Liberal Party. Ken Wyatt, a senior Aboriginal education and health advisor, believes that education is the main reason for his success, an advantage that he gained as a child with the support of a local Rotary Club. For more on Ken Wyatt's life and election, go to the Koori Mail.
Closing the gap clearinghouse
A clearinghouse for research on overcoming disadvantage for Indigenous Australians has been set up with funding from the Council of Australian Governments. Visit the site, maintained by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Change in Australia's Constitution to recognise Indigenous Australians
Reconciliation Australia has welcomed the commitment from Australia's political parties to reconsider sections of the Australian Constitution to include recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Read the media release.
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Fund the severe mental illnesses
A resurgence of interest in mental health
has occurred in the months before the recent Australian election, with particular focus on common mental illness like depression. While this was welcomed by Pamela Rutledge, CEO of the Richmond Fellowship, she appeals for public support for the more severe and misunderstood ends of the mental illness spectrum. Read her article.
Australian political parties' mental health position
Sane Australia has compared the mental health policies that the two major parties took to the recent election. Read the comparison. The Australian Greens also had a stance on mental health and took a special interest in rural mental health. This topic is close to the heart of Bob Katter, one of the three country Independents in the Australian House of Representatives. Since it has become apparent that he is one of the Independents who will hold the balance of power, Mr Katter has made repeated reference in the media to 'suicides in the bush'. Read more about this.
The Independents are currently negotiating with the two major parties to determine who will form government. Bob Katter's concern about mental health in the bush makes the issue critical in these negotiations and may advance the cause of rural mental health in a way not previously anticipated.
NSW Suicide Prevention Strategy
While the rates of suicide in NSW have been reduced in recent years, community groups and the NSW Government want to coordinate the response to suicide so that any loss of life to suicide is avoided. Carers NSW responded to the draft Suicide Prevention Strategy. Read the response.
The Hidden toll. Suicide in Australia, the report of an Australian Government Senate inquiry was released in June.
Carers must be included in mental health policies and future funding
On average, carers of people with a mental illness provide 104 hours of care each week, according to a report entitled Carers of people with mental illness project. "Carers of people with a mental illness must be included in all aspects of the mental health system," says Carers Australia in the lead up to the recent 2010 Australian election. Read the media release.
The triangle of care. Carers included - A best practice guide in acute mental health care
A new guide published in the UK emphasises the need to involve carers and families in the acute care planning of people with mental illness. Read the guide.
ABC TV Four Corners - Hidden Voices
Hidden voices, a program about mental health, went to air this month on ABC TV. It featured a town in Queensland that has been rocked by dramatic incidents and unmanageable trends in the mental health of its inhabitants. Mackay appears to enjoy the benefits of well established industries but its mental health services are unable to cope. To view the program or read the transcript, go to ABC TV.
ABC TV Australian Story - Hit The Road Jack
Jack Heath had a promising political career until the murder of a close friend, followed by the suicide of a young cousin, led to him seeking a more meaningful life. Jack established a not-for-profit organisation, Inspire, committed to supporting troubled youth. Read more.
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Mental Health Services in Australia 2007-08
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare this month published an addition to its series on mental health. Twenty per cent of Australians experience mental health problems at any point in time. This new publication documents Australian's response to mental health and deals mainly with services and funding. Read the details.
Older men and Home and Community Care services. Barriers to access and effective models of
care.
The Men's Health Information and Resource Centre at the University of Western Sydney has conducted research into older men's access to Home and Community Care (HACC) Services in NSW. About 45 per cent of the older population is male but males are only one third of older HACC service users. Find out more.
National Community Services Data Dictionary (NCSDD)
The NCSDD including national minimum data sets has just been released. As part of the METeOR metadata online registry, the dictionary's purpose is to provide national standards on the community services reporting framework for both statistical and clinical analysis which provides meaningful input to community discussion and public policy debate on community services issues in Australia. Read more.
Dementia - adult young carers support group
Alzheimer's Australia recognises the effects dementia has on the children and grandchildren of dementia sufferers and therefore invites these adult young carers to join a support group designed specifically for this age group. The groups take place monthly at Alzheimer's Australia, North Ryde. To find out more, contact Monica Cole on (02) 8875 4682 or email.
Conceptualisation of social and and emotional wellbeing for children and young people, and policy implications
The Social Policy Research Centre (UNSW) was selected to undertake research into the emotional wellbeing for children and young people and the policy implications this entails. Read the conclusions.
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