![Step taken towards improving support Step taken towards improving support](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/gzajA9j5yvatvSgWamdNVy/cd1bb346-d37f-4745-8c6e-100a629e924a.jpg/r0_0_1200_677_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
A LOCAL carer group agrees recognition and support of carers needs to improve, following the state government’s release of a consultation paper on its future ‘carer statement’.
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In its paper, the Victorian government states it wants to develop a carer statement to “recognise, acknowledge and respect carers’ contributions and to make a commitment to support carers better”.
Bendigo Carer Support Group facilitator and secretary Lorraine Swift said the needs of carers tended to be forgotten, but they deserved to have better care themselves with the economic benefit they provided the government.
The state government says there are some 773,400 unpaid carers in Victoria alone, with about 217,800 of those providing the majority of the care for those they look after.
The carer statement will aim to explain what carers want from health and community services, as well as what they think is important in the services offered.
The consultation paper says it will also identify gaps in support and services, gather evidence for investment and a whole-of-government strategy, and collect ideas from the community on what improvements could be made.
Mrs Swift identified respite as the key concern for carers.
She said respite care had become increasingly difficult for carers to access, which meant they had fewer opportunities to take a break from their care responsibilities.
Even a small break could make a large difference, Mrs Swift said.
She said there were few services available to carers locally.
“Some… are so exhausted and beyond their tether – they don’t know what to do next – and desperate,” Mrs Swift said.
The consultation paper acknowledges that carers can become socially isolated, their work or education can be affected, and they can put their own wellbeing to the side.
Mrs Swift said there also needed to be more recognition of carers and their contributions.
There were some very young carers in the community, she said – so young they were still in school and caring for a family member in their free time.
“You don’t realise how many are out there,” Mrs Swift said.
The Victorian government is seeking feedback on its proposal from carers.
To view the consultation paper and give feedback, visit www.carersvictoria.org.au.