Carers’ Role in NDIS Uncertain
9 October 2014 at 10:32 am
The future of support for carers is “highly uncertain” as NSW transitions towards the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), according to a new report by peak body, Carers NSW.
Released this week, The NDIS one year in: Experiences of Carers in the Hunter trial site paper draws on Carers NSW research, consultation and policy analysis from the first year of the NSW trial.
“Key findings include that carers of NDIS participants are not entitled to assessment funded supports in their own right and many people with disability and their carers will not even be eligible for the NDIS,” Carers NSW Chief Executive Elena Katrakis.
Katrakis said the paper aims to contribute information about carers’ experiences to the ongoing development and implementation of the NDIS.
“Carers NSW has identified some key challenges which require consideration and responsive solutions,” Katrakis said.
“The future of carer support as NSW transitions towards the NDIS is highly uncertain,” she said.
Katrakis acknowledged that carers are not the focus of the NDIS but said they will be expected to provide ongoing informal support for many participants.
“It is imperative carers’ support needs are properly addressed into the future, either as part of the NDIS or in conjunction with it,” Katrakis said.
“Gaining the trust of carers and adequately supporting them to care sustainably into the future will be essential for the NDIS to succeed.”
Carers NSW is calling for better information around how the NDIS will affect carers; all carers who are involved in planning with NDIS participants to be entitled to assessment of their own needs, referrals and funded supports in their own right and the provision of appropriate support to assist them as they navigate the new system.
