Carers are often considered to be 'hidden' patients because the focus is usually on the patient. Sometimes the carer's health needs are overlooked until there is a crisis.
The medical sector recognises the health impact of the caring role. In March 2010
Dr Chris Mitchell, President of the RACGP, acknowledged that 'GPs see first-hand the physical and emotional impacts of the strain placed on carers within the wider community' and supported additional Federal Government funding for respite care programs.
The AMA, in their paper
Doctors and Preventative Care - 2010, point out that:
- Doctors are in a unique situation to identify and address risk factors for chronic conditions.
- If carer health is compromised they will be unable to continue in their caring role, placing the care recipient at risk of premature institutionalisation.
- Effective preventative care reduces demand on the acute care system and pressure on rising health care costs.
The Australian General Practice Network supports this preventative health focus and the
Nursing in General Practice Position Statement emphasises the role of practice nurses in health promotion and enhancing patient access to primary health care and other support services.
The Rural Health Education Foundation (RHEF) has produced several relevant programs that are freely available on line. These include
Caring for Carers: Depression, Anxiety and the Impact of Caring which was aired in June 2010 (Program ID 1007).
There are also several RHEF programs focusing on the key role of GPs and other health professionals in supporting carers of people with dementia including
Dementia: Carers and Families (Program ID 616e).