Carers tell of assaults by disabled loved ones

Photo / Thinkstock

One-third of people who care for ill or disabled loved ones suffer injuries and abuse from the people they look after.

Assaults on family carers by those they support are a hidden problem revealed in a survey of more than 650 by Carers NZ.

Chief executive Laurie Hilsgen said these injuries were mainly strains, sprains and back injuries sustained during everyday care.

But carers who completed the survey also told of injuries from assaults by the people they supported.

Examples of assault included biting, scratching, hair pulling, stabbing and punching, and were often a result of behavioural changes after brain injuries, or conditions such as dementia.

Ms Hilsgen said that, like other forms of abuse, these problems were hidden by many.

"There is a stereotype that if abuse is occurring, the carer must be the abuser because they are 'able-bodied'. But carers are victims too."

The chief executive of Age Concern Counties Manukau, Wendy Bremner, said stress, anxiety and psychological abuse could be some of the main challenges carers came across.

Without help, finding information and support in these areas was "difficult, exhausting, lonely and, at times, overwhelming".

Carers are New Zealand's biggest health workforce and their unpaid work has an annual economic value of at least $7 billion.

Carers NZ and the Carers Alliance of more than 40 national not-for-profit organisations have started the first social and political awareness campaign seeking improved recognition and support for carers. The Government is already taking steps to answer the We Care campaign's calls.

To join the campaign, visit www.facebook.com/wecarenz

CAREWORN
* 35 per cent of carers suffer injury and abuse.
* 90 per cent of carers are of workforce age (16-65).
* 27 per cent support someone with complex needs.
* 45 per cent care for a loved one 24/7.
* 24 per cent have provided care for more than 16 years.