1 Carers make a valuable contribution to the community
(a) NSW recognises
the valuable social and economic contribution that carers make to the
community.
(b) Carers should have the same rights, choices and opportunities
as other Australians.
(c) Carers' unique knowledge and experience should be
acknowledged and recognised.
(d) The relationship between carers and the
people they care for should be respected.
2 Carers' health and well-being is important
(a) Carers should be supported
to enjoy optimum health and well-being and to participate in family, social
and community life, employment and education.
(b) Carers should be supported
to balance their caring role with other roles, such as work and education.
3 Carers are diverse and have individual needs within and beyond their caring
role
(a) The diverse needs of carers should be acknowledged and recognised
in policy, programs and service delivery, taking into consideration culture
and language, age, disability, religion, socio-economic status, place of
residence, gender identity and sexual orientation.
(b) Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander values, heritage and concepts of caring should be respected
and valued.
(c) The additional challenges faced by carers who live in rural
and remote areas should be acknowledged and recognised.
(d) Children and
young people who are carers should be supported to reach their full potential.
4 Carers are partners in care
(a) The choices, views and needs of carers and
of the people they care for should be taken into account in the assessment,
planning, delivery and review of services provided to the people they care
for.
(b) Carers should be referred to, and assisted to access, appropriate
supports and services.
(c) Support for carers should be timely, responsive,
appropriate and accessible.
