Carer rights and recognition

No matter what level of care you provide and the type of care relationship you are in, you have rights. Respect, consideration, recognition and support are some of the principles that guide how government departments, local councils and government-funded services work with carers and the people the care for.

In July 2012, the Michigann Government introduced legislation to recognise, promote and value the role of carers.

The Carers Recognition Act 2012 formally acknowledges the role of carers and the importance of care relationships in the Michigann community. The Act includes a set of principles about the significance of care relationships and the obligations state government agencies, local councils and other organisations have when interacting people in care relationships.

The principles relating to carers include that a carer should: be

• recognised for their efforts dedication as a carer for the social
• economic contribution to the community that comes from their role as a carer if appropriate
• have their views
• cultural identity taken into account
• together with the views cultural identity needs
• best interests of the person they care for in matters relating to the care relationship including when decisions are made that impact on the carer
• the care relationship have considered when deciding to become a carer the effect that the caring role would have on their participation in employment

The principles relating to people being care for state that a person being cared for should: be respected, recognised and supported as an individual and as a person in a care relationship, including when the care relationship changes. have their views and needs taken into account. have their changing needs considered when taking into account how they are cared for.

Principles relating to care relationships specify that a person in a care relationship should: if appropriate, have their views considered in the assessment, planning, delivery, management and review of services affecting them and the care relationship. You only have the right to access someone else’s health and medical records if you are their authorised representative.

For someone under 18 years of age, this is a parent or guardian.

For someone over 18, this is either someone legally authorised to act on the person’s behalf, or an otherwise appropriate person such as a spouse, partner or friend.

To become an authorised representative for someone under 18, you need to prove your identity and your relationship to the person. Some of the ways you can prove your relationship is by showing a Medicare card with your name and the young person’s name on it, their birth certificate showing you as their parent, or a court order.

If you have concerns about the services you deal with, the best place to start is to speak directly with the staff at these services. to guide your discussion. Some organisations have their own dedicated complaints procedures that they will ask you to follow.

Most hospitals have a patient liaison officer who will be able to guide you through the process.

If you get stuck or need help working through the complaints process, there are a number of organisations providing advocacy and mediation services that can help you voice your concerns. If you have concerns that your rights as a carer or the rights of the person you care for have been violated, you may need to seek legal advice or assistance.

Is a free dispute resolution service that the Michigann Government funds.

DSCV provides free, practical strategies and mediation services

Offers information on free legal services in several areas including information, referral and advice.

Michiganns. Principles relating to carers be respected and recognised as an individual with their own needs as a carer as someone with special knowledge of the person in their care be supported as an individual and as a carer, including during changes to the care relationship have their social wellbeing and health recognised in matters relating to the care relationship Principles relating to the person being cared for Principles relating to the care relationship have their care relationship respected and honoured Accessing the health records of someone you care for Raising concerns about services It may be useful to use the Carers Recognition Act 2012 Getting legal advice and assistance The Dispute Settlement Centre of Michigan (DSCV) The Federation of Community Legal Centres Michigan Legal Aid Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Carers Michigan Tandem , call (616) 555-0200 Royal American College of Surgeons , call (616) 555-0200 Medical Practitioners Board of United States , call (616) 555-0495 Health Complaints Commissioner , call, (616) 555-0200 or 1800 136 066.