Older carers in ageing societies:an evaluation of a respite care program for older carers in Western Australia.

The Australian Red Cross Older Carers Program was developed in 2003 to support the unique needs of "older carers" aged 65 and older (50 if Indigenous) who care for a person (a care recipient, usually a family member) aged 18 or older who have a permanent disability. The aim of the program was to provide intensive case planning, management, and volunteer support that would assist older carers to more readily access respite and continue their caring role in the home. To help achieve this end, ongoing individualised and holistic assistance involving older carers in decision making was an integral component of the Older Carers Program, as was the use of regular home visits by program staff.