Media statement
For immediate release
Friday, 22 June 2007

Respite care worth as much MPs’ meal allowance

Respite care for the caregivers of people high and complex disabilities is a $64 shame, says United Future disabilities spokesperson Judy Turner, MP.

Respite carers are entitled to $64 per night for their care of people with high and complex needs. This is as much as MPs’ daily meal allowance in 2005.

“This is an embarrassing enough situation, but the true scandal is that respite carers cannot be found for people with high and complex needs.

People with high and complex needs have no cap to their entitlement of respite care, but this is a fallacy when there are no carers to provide the service. This is exacerbated for teenagers who are forced into rest homes for their respite care, as they are the only environment capable of caring for people with high end needs.

“The entitlement may exist but the service does not. It is nigh on impossible to find carers for $64, let alone hope for consistency of care.

“Families of people with high and complex needs work 24/7, 365 days a year caring for their children for the rest of their lives. They are more than deserving of a rest and would take it if the carers could be found.

“MPs should value kiwi carers as much as they value themselves. It’s about time the Government proved it does, said Mrs Turner.

ENDS