Get to know your Rights as a Carer!
All over the world, there are people who do not recognise themselves as Carers – more so, their rights upon taking this role. At HelpingMinds, we aim to educate and provide support to Carers or family and friends of people experiencing mental health conditions so that they too won’t feel isolated in this lifelong role of being a Carer to someone you love.
In WA, family members and friends who are in an ongoing, unpaid caring role have rights under the Carers Recognition Act. The Act includes the Carers Charter lay down the proper treatment of Carers which upholds their rights and protects their dignity.
The Western Australian Carers Charter states that:
- Carers must be treated with respect and dignity
- The role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers.
- The views and needs of carers must be taken into account along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers.
- Complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact on them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.
HelpingMinds® will provide you with information about your rights as a carer, and will advocate on your behalf if you are experiencing difficulties in being heard and being included as part of the treatment plan for the person you are supporting and providing care to. While the confidentiality of the person you care for should be respected by their treating clinician, where the treatment plan impacts on you, you should be advised. If the person you are supporting is a patient under the Mental Health Act, then you also have the right to be informed of certain events including when the person is hospitalised and if they are being discharged.
HelpingMinds® also acts at the systemic level. Systems include legislation, policies, standards, eligibility criteria or any rules that impact carers and their family members in the mental health system. With systemic advocacy, we try to make the mental health system better for carers and families.
At HelpingMinds, we make sure that each carer knows their rights. As such, we:
- Listen to carers and other family members so that we understand what’s wrong with the system.
- Use the wisdom of carers and other family members to change the system.
- Collaborate with funders and service providers to share the learnings and raise the standards.
- Want the world to know about carers and their caring role.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Health and Disability Services Complaints Office
Mental Health Law Centre (for people living with a mental health issue)
Mental Health Advocacy Service (for patients of residential mental health services)
Office of the Chief Psychiatrist
Office of the Public Advocate (for advice on Administration, Guardianship, Advance Care Directives)
Resources in different languages from the Mental Health Commission
Personal Support Persons (brochure explaining the rights of family member and friend carers)
A Guide to START Court for family and carers
Carer’s Recognition Act 2004 – What it means for West Australian carers
Directory of Community Legal Centres in WA
Fact Sheet – New Services for Carers
