Background

Concern about what will happen when they can no longer care has long been an issue for caregivers caring for persons living with mental illnesses and substance use disorder. We're asking caregivers/carers in Canada and Australia some questions about the types of support they currently provide for the person they care for and at what cost and finally, whether they already have plans in place for the future.

We'll summarise all of the responses in an anonymous way and use the information to support our efforts focused on the development of support for carers/caregivers to plan for the future needs of the persons they care for – as a caregiver it is also your first step in identifying the need for a plan that addresses the gaps in support in place for those you care for when you are gone. If interested in sharing your story, concerns and what supports your plan should include indicate your interest in doing so by providing your contact details at the end of the survey.

Completing The Survey:

A few tips for filling in the survey:

• Please tell your support group members not to worry if they don't know the exact number of hours or costs of support they provide. Their best estimate will be okay.
• It should take about 5 – 10 minutes to complete.
• Q3 asks about the number of hours per week carers/caregivers spend providing emotional, practical and health support to the person or people they care for. You can select a range of hours from the drop-down list.
• Q4 asks about any financial support carers/caregivers provide each year so that their person has a secure place to live. You can select a $ range from the drop-down list.
• Q5 and 6 ask about any other financial support carers/caregivers provide each year.
• Each of these questions also ask carers/caregivers whether they already have plans in place (they can choose ‘not applicable’, ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘somewhat’ from the drop-down list) and whether they would like help to make a plan.
• If carers/caregivers would like to stay involved in this project they can provide their contact details at the end, but this isn’t necessary.
• To complete the survey, just click on the ‘submit’ button.