The Health of People with a Disability and the Health of Carers

Question 1

What is a disability?

Answer 1

“Severe or profound core activity limitation (that is, who sometimes or always need help with activities of self-care, mobility or communication)”

Question 2

What is the relationship between disability and mental health?

Answer 2

-People with a disability tend to rate their health lower than those without a
disability
-Mental health can be both a cause and effect of disability
-People with disabilities report higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to those without

Question 3

Compared to people without a disability, those with are more likely to…

Answer 3

• Have insufficient weekly physical activity
• Smoke
• Have difficulty accessing medical facilities
• Experience discrimination
• Avoid health care appointments because of cost
• Experience discrimination

Question 4

What is the problem for those with disabilities regarding participation and discrimination?

Answer 4

• People with disabilities have difficulties accessing the community (transport, buildings, events)
• Discrimination of those with severe or profound limitation had experienced discrimination
• Stigma is a limiting factor with ID accessing health care

Question 5

What are specific social determinants that influence those with a disability?

Answer 5

• Poverty and deprivation
• Environment
• Transport
• Personal health practices and coping skills
• Social exclusion
• Health systems and services
• Discrimination

Question 6

What are the responsibilities of carers?

Answer 6

Assist with showering, dressing, toileting, mobility, communication, social
participation, education, home maintenance, financial management

Question 7

What are the demands of carers?

Answer 7

• Places high physical, emotional and financial demands
• High risk of injury and strain (carers are usually “untrained” and often do not have the specialised equipment available in hospitals or aged care facilities)
• Limit the person’s capacity to engage in or finish education; or engage in social activities outside the home

Question 8

Describe the impact of carers of child with disabilities

Answer 8

• Children with a disability, the “hands on” stage doesn’t stop in early childhood; the need for assistance with toileting, dressing, bathing, feeding, social participation
• Parent-carers experience poor mental health

Question 9

What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?

Answer 9

• For people aged 7-65 years
• Provides funding directly to the person
• Person with a disability has to apply for the NDIS and be assessed to determine level of funding
• Each case assessed individually; eligibility is determined by level of assistance required
• Provide evidence of disability

Question 10

What is the difference of the NDIS between children under 7 and people over 65 years?

Answer 10

• Under 7: NDIS still covers them, but application process is different
• Over 65: MyAgedCare, focus on supporting ageing rather than those with disability