MACHS

COMMON GROUND CONFERENCE

WORKSHOP: F7 - Males as Carers

Presenters: Peter Smytherman

Facilitator: Malcolm Ellis

Scribe: Beverly Ellis

The issues of males as carers impacts significantly on the whole of our society, and many of us will know of individuals within our families/community who are currently caring for someone on a daily basis. Of the 2 million carers in Australia 60% are male caregivers.

These men are currently caring for a partner, and 49% of men provide care for someone aged sixty and over in the same house. Respite time, personal confidence, social isolation, and the needs of male (and female) carers are often overlooked. – however many of us at this conference could also be in a similar position in the future, what will this mean?

• If only the professionals listened instead of telling me what to do.
• Health and well being of men in a caring role.
• Support for the carer.
• Development of support network.
• Most practical empathy from fellow carers.
• C – Challenge
• L – Learn
• U – Understand
• B – Belong
• Service agencies "plugging up" gaps left by breakdown of extended family.

That existing Health and Community Service Organisations be encouraged to review current systems and structures, in order to establish a more coordinated approach to supporting men as caregivers.