The New Zealand informal caregivers and their unmet needs
Diane Jorgensen, Matthew Parsons, Stephen Jacobs, Hilary Arksey
This study aimed to identify who the caregivers of people with disabilities were and if they needed any more support (such as, home help, assistance with bathing, financial, respite care) than they were presently receiving. Caregivers (300) were interviewed throughout New Zealand and asked questions about their present situation as a caregiver, and if they felt they needed more assistance. The results showed the majority (96%) of caregivers were not satisfied with the assistance they were receiving and most (85%) were stressed. Depression was evident in all age groups but was highest in caregivers aged 30 to 39. There seems to be a contradiction between the value we place on caregivers and what we provide to support them, both materially and psychosocially.