Practical support

Caring for a family member who has a disability is an incredibly tough job.

Not only are there financial, social and emotional pressures, but it is an experience that few parents or family members expect or plan for.

Statistics New Zealand reports 'a total of 743,800 New Zealanders or 20 percent of the total population (excluding people living in some special types of residential facilities) are limited in their daily activities because of the long-term effects of a disability.' It is clear then, that caring for a family member with a disability is a common family experience.

Families who have a family member with a physical, intellectual or mental disability may feel isolated if they are unable to find information on financial assistance, respite care and other extra help. Although it is a very demanding task there is a range of assistance available to help and support the family which we list on this page.
 

Information & practical support

A number of organisations provide various support and information services to families caring for a family member who has a disability or special need. The following are the main organisations currently available to help those with disabilities, their families and caregivers:

IHC is a nationwide organisation that supports people with intellectual disabilities and their families through family support, relief care, sibling support, holiday and after school programmes, advocacy, and through providing housing and work opportunities. They also have an online library and free lending service. They can also be contacted on: 0800 442 442.

CCS Disability Action is a nationwide organisation that works with children and adults who have physical disabilities. CCS Disability action has a library and can do information searches for you on the internet as well as provide contacts for support groups in New Zealand, and overseas. They can also be contacted on: 0800 227 200

Enable New Zealand assists people with disabilities and their families, employers, health professionals and disability support organisations. Enable NZ provides information on disability-related products and also does research and funds equipment, housing alterations, vehicle purchase and modifications. Enable also provides needs assessment and service coordination and has a library with free access for people residing in New Zealand. They can also be contacted on: 0800 171 981.

Parent to Parent is a national support and information network for parents of children with a disability, special need or health impairment. Support is provided by trained support parents who have a child with the same or similar needs. They also offer support to siblings. Parent to Parent has contacts for disability support groups, and information relating to disorders. They can also be contacted on: 0508 236 236

Federation of Disability Information Centres provides information about disabilities, guidance, product viewing, trials and/or sales, as well as occupational therapy. Disability Resource Centres and Disability Information Services (and others) are part of this federation.

Ministry of Health - the Government's principal agent and advisor on health and disability. They can also be contacted on: 0800 367 8473

Workbridge is an employment service for people with all types of disabilities or injuries. They can also be contacted on: 0508 858 858

National Assembly of People with Disabilities represents people with disabilities, organisations involved in advocacy, and service providers. They offer information and advice, coordination of service provision, strategic planning, monitoring, self advocacy and Treaty partnership, and also have international links. They can also be contacted on: 04 801 9100

Tautoko Services is based in several regions, available to children or adults with an intellectual disability whose behaviour is challenging. Tautoko Services assess needs and circumstances, develop individual behavioural support plans, provide individual support and consultation, advise and assist in service planning and development, provide training, and assist in the access of resources. They can also be contacted on: 04 233 0164

Starship Children's Hospital Family Information Service provides families and whanau with information about children's medical conditions and disabilities and puts families in touch with parent and community support groups. They can also be contacted on: 09 307 4955

Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Service (CAFS) or Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) - is a mental health service for young people and their families who are having emotional, behavioural and developmental or relationship difficulties. CAFS is made up of two separate services: the Child Specialty Service (0 - 12 years) and the Youth Specialty Service (13 years - 20th birthday). To contact your local CAFS or CAMHS, look in your phone book - most services are located at the local hospital.

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand provides mental health promotion, information and resources on matters related to mental health/mental illness. They can also be contacted on: 09 300 7010 or 09 300 7030 (Resource Centre)

Richmond Fellowship New Zealand Inc provides nationwide services supporting people who have mental health and serious conduct disorders. They can also be contacted on: 0508 7424 6663.

In addition there are many other organisations throughout the country which focus on specific disabilities. Contact you local Citizens Advice Bureau for organisations in your local area.
 

Emotional and social support for you and your family

You and your family may be under great strain due to the demands and pressures of coping with a family member who has a disability. There are support organisations throughout New Zealand who provide emotional and social support - the need for this should never be underestimated.

Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau to find out about organisations that provide:

  • support to siblings
  • support to parents
  • counselling
  • respite care - for parents or caregivers of children with disabilities or special needs.
  • advocacy
  • Your local District health board - your local hospital is a great source of help. For contact details look in the medical pages at the front of your phone book.
  • Healthline - a free national telephone health advice line operated by registered health nurses. Call: 0800 611 116.


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