The carers pension for Home dialysis carers

The carers pension for Home dialysis carers

The first meeting to improve access to the carers pension has been held. 

Participants:
• Debbie Fortnum – National projects manager KHA (chair and minutes)
• Luke Toy – General manager – public affairs
• Shamus Brown – Social worker – Princess Alexandra QLD
• Anne Maxwell – Social worker – Taree area
• Jenny Rochford – Social worker Royal Melbourne
• Katie Parker – Social Worker St Vincents
Discussion:
• Introduction re positions and interest
DF – Special interest in support of Home dialysis patients
LT – Interested in government advocacy to change current system in relation to carers pension accessibility. Want equity in systems. Can look at applying to govt to change current system but this will be a 2-3 year process (if successful). Want to better understand need.
SB – Has developed a template letter to supplement current application form. Has had success in previously unsuccessful applications for both payment types. Wishes to formalise and expand this process.
AM – Has patients who have not been able to get either of the two available payments. Also struggles to get claim forms from Centrelink.
JR – To date have no unsuccessful claims but interested in ensuring access available. Have ways around the forms issues.
KP – To date have been successful in claims without special tactics. Have aways around the forms issues.
SM – email communication – has had success with applications by submitting detailed letters.
System in use at PA:
• Detailed letter that outlines every aspect of dialysis including general support
• Proposed to have additional tick checklist

Actions:

Survey to all social workers to better gauge extent of issue etc
(note ask questions re training financial support at same time) 

Document process and hints to make process simpler 

Develop template letter and use in different areas 

Develop group to help develop check-list –

All further communication to be by email although may have one more phone conference towards end of project. 
Email [email protected] for more information