Work Programme

Caregivers

Informal caregivers are those who care for a friend, family member or neighbour who, due to sickness, frailty or disability, can’t manage everyday living without help or support. Generally, informal caregivers are not paid for providing this care.

The NHC has been undertaking a project to investigate the significance and impacts of the caregiving role for the lives, health and wellbeing of informal caregivers in New Zealand.

Currently there is little information about the prevalence or extent of informal caregiving in New Zealand. Data from the 2001 and 2004 Census indicated that 5.4 percent of New Zealanders were looking after a member of their own household who was ill or had a disability. Of these caregivers, 60 percent were women.

The NHC recognises the potential vulnerability and invisibility of informal caregivers, and the importance of their role to the many people who rely on them. Considering ways of supporting the good health and well-being of informal caregivers is an important component of this project.

A literature review completed and published in 2007 provides a context for the project and considers a wide spectrum of issues.
This literature review is now available

The NHC is currently planning research into first hand accounts of caregivers’ experiences and needs. Information gathered from these case studies will inform the NHC’s final report and recommendations to the Minister.

Comments and feedback sought

Māori and Informal Caregiving: A background paper prepared for the National Health Committee

Date of publication: (online) April 2008*

Summary

A background paper that has been prepared for the NHC that focuses specifically on Māori and informal caregiving is now available on this website. This paper explores Māori informal caregiving in the context of whānau. Included in this paper is the definition of whānau, which is discussed in detail, and a consideration of the impacts and implications of whānau caregiving for Māori. In addition, an overview of relevant literature is provided, suggesting further inquiry into this topic.

*Please note the Committee sees this paper in its current form as a “work in progress”. The views expressed in the paper do not necessarily reflect those held by the NHC.

Download Māori and informal caregiving paper (PDF, 507 KB)

We would value your response to the paper. Please send your comments to Nhc_Info@nhc.govt.nz. You can write as much or as little as you like. Although you may not receive a direct response, you can be assured that your contribution will be considered carefully to help inform the project.

Please tell us something about yourself. Are you a carer, or someone who has experience of being cared for? Are you a health provider? Your response will remain anonymous to the public but please include your contact details so that we can follow up with you if required.

Thank you for your contribution to this work.

Page last updated: 17 April 2008