NSW Carers Action Plan 2007 - 2012

The NSW Government will contribute to carers achieving quality of life for themselves and the people they support. In the context of their caring role, carers will be:

• supported to achieve physical and emotional wellbeing and to participate in work and community life;
• valued as key contributors to community wellbeing and as key partners and providers of care;
• considered in the development of public policy in NSW.

• Carers' physical, emotional and career needs are identified, acknowledged and responded to.
• Carers are supported by quality services that are affordable, flexible, culturally competent, coordinated, accessible and available.
• Strategies are developed to identify and support people who do not identify as carers and who may be disadvantaged by social, cultural or economic circumstances or location.
• Carers are able to exercise choice in their role as a carer and are supported in transitioning from caring when this is necessary.
• Caring relationships are recognised as diverse, dynamic, complex, with changing needs over time.
• Carers are recognised, valued and respected.
• Carers have access to information, resources and opportunities to develop their skills to provide quality care.
• Carers are included in every stage of assessment and care planning with the agreement of the care recipient and are consulted in the planning, delivery and review of services that impact on their role.
• Carers are supported by family friendly policies in the workplace.

Priority Area 1: Carers are recognised, respected and valued.

Priority Area 2: Hidden carers are identified and supported.

Priority Area 3: Services for carers and the people they care for are improved.

Priority Area 4: Carers are partners in care.

Priority Area 5: Carers are supported to combine caring and work.