Carers 'can't take any further cuts'

The Government is being warned that any further cuts to financial supports for carers will force many people currently being cared for at home into nursing homes.

The Carers' Association says 66% of its members think they will have to put their loved ones into care if the upcoming budget involves more cuts than those already imposed in the last two years.

The group, which is launching its pre-budget submission today, says residential care costs five times more than looking after people in the home.

Catherine Cox from the Carers' Association says it makes no financial sense for the Government to ignore the vital work being carried out by carers.

"We are calling on the Government to treat the home as a centre of care, in the same way that (it would if) somebody was being cared for in a residential centre or a hospital," Ms Cox said.

"Quite often what the carer is doing in the home is the same as what a nurse or doctor may be doing.

"The carer becomes everything to the cared-for person - but in order to provide that high level of care, they need the supports and services in place."