It is not easy to take care of disabled people. I have personally witnessed and know first hand the heartache and despair that people suffer when their benefits are cut. That makes it even more important to understand why benefits are being cut in the first place. My strong belief is that there are many myths and misunderstandings about disability care in Australia.
My starting point is the government assessment, which clearly shows the level required for disability support services in the community. This assessment also shows an expected increase in population, which clearly impacts the demand for more services and support. These needs must be addressed before we reduce support.
The ABC grant system is often misunderstood as welfare. The reality is that the ABC grant system is not welfare. It is designed to provide care for the individual and their disability. The benefits are not extended to those who do not have the means to pay. The only thing that has been changed is the terminology that describes the work that is done.
The second mistake is to believe that disabled people will find employment without the assistance of any additional support. Again this is not true. As the demand for skilled trades and jobs that require more skill will increase, job searches for jobs will continue growing. There will always be a need for skilled workers.
Another common error is that people receiving care want all the available services. This could not be further from the truth. Just as other people with disabilities are going to require different care than the rest of us, so too are disabled recipients going to require different services. They will need to have access to services and programs that are tailored to their needs. Their carers need to understand this and act accordingly.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that their caregivers or employers understand their needs and requirements when caring for disabled people. Many assume that if a carer is able to walk, they can take on any number of jobs. While it is true that many caring givers have undergone training in basic life safety, it is also true that many employers are simply not trained in the proper placement and training for the job. Employers should be aware that they will need to recognize hazards on the job and also know how to refer disabled workers to the right employers.
Many people make the third mistake when caring for disabled people. They assume that they just need a hand-off. As an example, suppose that a caregiver will take the disabled person to a meeting and that that is the end for the caregiver. The reality is that many times, disabled people require specialized care. If the caregiver knows that the person with a disability may have a medical condition, they should not simply hand them over to anyone.
By making these three mistakes when it comes to taking care of disabled people, you can ensure that your home is safe for them. It is better to train your caregiver than to assume they can do a task. You can rest assured that your home is safe once the caregiver has learned the proper techniques for dealing with disabled people. It is better to rely on your own abilities to provide the care that disabled people need.
