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Information and advice for family carers. 

Resounding victory for family carers!

Carers New Zealand is delighted with the much-anticipated Court of Appeal decision on payment for parents caring for their disabled children. Carers NZ's Chairman, Roger Palairet says this is a resounding victory for the families.

Health Minister Hon Tony Ryall said in a statement that "family carers make a special contribution to the care of people with disabilities in New Zealand and that the Government recognises this is a difficult issue of balancing the interests of those who are being cared for, those doing the caring and taxpayers." However Minister Ryall's office would not reveal whether the Ministry would take the case to the Supreme Court but said it was reviewing the decision.

When interviewed by TVNZ's Close Up programme, Chris Robinson agreed the decision could have ramifications and open the floodgates for other carers. Chris said "that's the inevitability of social change. I can remember as a young boy that fellas use to talk about the 40 hour week, a free health system and free education system. Of course it had ramifications, and this will probably have ramifications, but that's social change".

The full Court of appeal document can be found at http://www.wecare.org.nz/ along with links to the different media commentary.

Emergency Care Planning Tools!

What would happen to the person you care for if you were suddenly incapacitated and unable to continue caring? It's time to be prepared and get your affairs in order with our free Care Planning Tools! Click and download the Planning Tools that suit your situation. Emergency Care Plan, Medications Plan and Important Papers Checklist, and Emergency Carer ID Card. Helpful tip for your Carer ID Card: Clip, complete, and laminate this handy Carer ID card and attach to your key ring to ensure uninterrupted care for the person you support!

Have your say for family carers at www.wecare.org.nz 

Please click through to the We Care! campaign website and have a say for family carers.  Click Email John Key to send a message to the Prime Minister, or click Photo Messages to upload your very own photo message of support.  If you're a Facebook user, please see www.facebook.com/wecarenz and ‘Like' the campaign. You can also follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/wecarenz  Visit the We Care! website to have a voice and a face in the campaign, to view news and speeches, or to upload your own photo message or send an email to John Key asking him to take a direct interest in the needs and welfare of Kiwi carers ... it takes just a second!

2012 will be a challenging year for the carer movement as not for profits lobby for true support and commitment for our country's 420,000+ family carers.  Government needs to move faster to assist carers, and ensure the 2008 Carers' Strategy is properly implemented.  The Carers Alliance of 45 national not for profits, for which Carers NZ acts as Secretariat, believes coordinated help for carers is not something that can be postponed yet again because of the economy or the consequences of the Canterbury earthquakes.  In fact, these events make it all the more crucial that New Zealand's biggest health workforce is protected and nurtured.  If you are a carer, or support the precious role of family caring, do take a few minutes to participate in our We Care! campaign.  It's easy, and your support will make a difference.

See carers' photo messages and upload your own at www.wecare.org.nz

Carer infopacks!

Launched as a trial in May 2011, each pack contains the Government's updated Guide for Carers, the latest issue of Family Care magazine, plus a range of other resources we think all carers should have. These packs will evolve over time and are useful for carers of any age or caring situation. Organisations and health professionals: please request packs for carers in your networks. Our 'foundation packs' can be regionalised, localised, or tailored for your community by adding your own information! They are attractive, and ready to post with your label ... or simply give them to the carers you support. As the packs are currently unfunded, we ask for a koha to cover courier costs for bulk requests. Email sara@carers.net.nz or phone 0800 777 797 to request infopacks. If you just want Guides please phone the national helpline 0800 777 797 ... these are completely free and for bulk orders we can arrange free delivery from the Ministry of  Social Development.

Autumn issue of Family Care

The Autumn issue of Family Care is available now.  Please contact us to request a free trial copy, or to request an annual $30 subscription which covers four issues of the magazine ($55 for two years). If you support a carer, an older person, or a 'self carer' managing their own health or disability needs, a subscription to Family Care (Carers NZ's official publication) makes a wonderful gift, and will ensure they feel part of a strong and growing community, and stay informed about important developments. To subscribe, please phone 0800 777 797 or send your subscription fee (cheque or credit card details) to PO Box 133, Mangonui, Far North 0442.

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