Caffs assesment task essay

Legal Definition: People who are chronically ill have a recurring or constant illness. For some it will result in periods of inconvenience, for others a lifetime of pain and suffering. It may also be terminal and therefore will result in death. Social Definition: The chronically ill are people in society who are living with an illness that is permanent or life threatening. Initially it may not be severe but as it progresses it can become more serious and even fatal.

According to the National Health Survey (Australia’s Health 2000) around three-quarters of the population reported having one or more long-term health conditions (experienced for at least 6 months). Examples of health conditions include asthma, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, emphysema, hay fever, mental illness, back and neck problems, and irritable bowel syndrome. The needs of the chronically ill include access to services, education, financial support, security and safety, housing, employment, healthcare, and senses of self-esteem and identity. Access to services for the chronically ill is a very important need as additional work is required to manage a chronic illness and manage the limitations created by the physical and psychological difficulties associated with disease.

Those suffering from chronic disease need a centralised system that enables them to access a multitude of resources such as health care and support. People who are chronically ill also need assistance in identifying and accessing services, as well as transport to a range of services, and services that come to the individual. The chronically ill rely heavily on health professionals and luckily in Australia we have a large range of doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, physiotherapists, naturopaths, optometrists, occupational therapists and audiologists. Health services are available to the chronically ill such as home health care and respite care centres on a short-term basis to provide respite for families who have a chronically ill patient living at home. Chronically ill individuals have the same right to education as those who are well, and schools and other educational institutions cannot deny access on the basis of chronic illness. However, their illness may have an effect of their attendance. Special provisions for illness, such as those allowed for the HSC, are also provided at universities and TAFE institutes.

There are some hospitals, particularly children’s hospitals, where school is accessible and conducted on site. Home schooling or distant education is also an option with some school, TAFE and university courses. Packages of work can be sent by mail or the internet which is completed at home and then returned for marking. This provides the individual with a flexible time structure that can be suited to their specific treatment. Education can enhance a person’s intellectual well-being, as well as take the focus of and attention away from illness. Educating individuals about their illness is very important, so that they have an understanding of it and can develop self-management strategies to help control it. This will give an individual with a chronic illness a sense of control, and overall knowledge about their illness.

Many people with chronic disease continue to work, however, it can be difficult when days are needed off due to the individual undergoing treatment or attending appointments. Some employers may offer flexible work situations such as working from home or working in a different section of the workplace although other employers may not provide much flexibility. If all the employees’ sick days are used and the employee cannot return, they may lose their position. The chronically ill person can then find it difficult to get another job due to the fact that they require a large amount of days off.

Fortunately many chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, can be controlled and work is not overly affected. Worksafe Australia is a joint state-Commonwealth organisation that aims at establishing safety standards in Australian workplaces so that injury and disease can be prevented. Under the New South Wales Workers Compensation Act 1987 if an illness occurs due to the fault of the place of employment, then the employee us entitled to compensation. The employer should also provide retraining if a worker is unable to return to his or her previous position.

If work is disrupted or ceases, then the individual with a chronic illness is deprived of an income. Financial support is required for the individual and their family. Support may also be required for the cost of medical bills, transport to and from appointments, the purchase of medications and equipement, home help in the form of community nursing or carers, home care and maintenance, along with living costs. Assistance with accommodation may be required for those travelling long distances for treatment (eg. rural families). Carers are usually required for those who have fatal or serious chronic illnesses. The government provides Carer Payment through Medicare for those who care for an individual on a daily basis who has a severe disability, medical condition or who is frail aged.

It provides carers with income support if they are unable tTo support themselves through substantial paid employment. Quality, affordable healthcare is required for those suffering for a chronic illness. Care needs to be appropriate to the individual. Individuals need opportunities to develop self-management skills through exercise, diet and treatment routines. The chronically ill also need specialised services in community centres and nursing homes. Caring for the chronically ill can be very expensive which may result in families encountering some financial struggle.

This means that the family may have to lower their standards of housing and general living. Adaptations may be necessary to enable the individual to continue to live in their home. This may involve the installation of handrails or ramps to accommodate their needs. It may also involve making provision for wheelchairs or other equipment, particularly through modifications to entry and exit points within the home. Relocation may be required if existing housing is not able to be modified or is no longer suitable, perhaps due to location. The chronically ill need to feel safe and secure within their environment, whether it is in the family home or a hospital.

The environment needs to be positive and supportive as the chronically ill person may, at times, fell quite depressed as a result of their illness. Positive communication between the carer and the patient is essential as they are working together to reach a common goal of better health. Those suffering from life-threatening illnesses need love and support from those around them to lessen their feelings of insecurity and powerlessness. Some chronically ill people need to change their lifestyle habits to help achieve better health such as improving their diet.

The safety of chronically ill people can also be improved by making modifications around the house such as installing non-slip floors and handrails in the shower. In order to improve levels of personal safety, medications need to be labelled and taken when required, carers need to be aware of what medications are taken and when, and the individual and carer need to know how to respond to medical emergencies. The hronically ill person may experience physical changes including weight gain or loss, or skin problems. A change in body image can affect emotional well-being and lose of some independence can lead to a lower level of self-esteem. An inability to work or carry out household or family responsibilities and tasks can have a negative impact of self-esteem.

Individuals need to be able to contribute in some way in order to develop positive self-esteem. People should treat the chronically ill as capable, valuable and contributing members of society. This helps to remove feelings of isolation, helplessness and dependency. A sense of who we are is determined by what we do and how we feel. Illness can interfere with aspects of work, sport, social and family life. If an individual is able to maintain involvement in family, work or community activities then he or she is able to maintain a sense of identity.

Some people may avoid situations or activities that they normally would be involved in when they were in better health. Other chronically ill people often do participate and are involved in activities in order to manage their illness and live their life. The Homeless Legal Definition: The term Homeless is used to describe people in the community that do not have access to safe and secure permanent housing. There are three different types of homelessness that are used by the Australia Bureau of Statisitics which are Primary Homelessness, Secondary Homelessness and Tertiary Homelessness. Social Definition: Homeless people are individuals in society who do not have a firm and established home. Some may be provided with temporary housing, but do not reside in a persistent place that they own or rent.

Homelessness is a difficult term to define, as many people disagree on whom to include as homeless. The Council for Homeless Persons defines the homeless as those people ‘ without a conventional home and who lack most of the economic and social supports that a home normally affords. ’ Many people become homeless because of unemployment, poverty, lack of affordable housing and discrimination in obtaining housing or employment. Problems of youth homelessness are usually linked with family conflict and unemployment. For homeless women, domestic violence is a key factor. The needs of the homeless include access to services, education, financial support, security and safety, housing, employment, healthcare, and senses of self-esteem and identity.

Many homeless people face malnutrition, loneliness, poor hygiene, alcoholism, drug problems, low self-esteem, loss of dignity, social alienation, trouble with law and psychiatric disorders. Homeless people have service available to them but often do not have the resources to access them. Often they may access a service or resource but it is already being used to its capacity and therefore cannot provide assistance. Many of the services for the homeless do not have the funds to meet demands. The Wesley Mission study into homelessness released in May 2001 found that 304 000 Australians are turned away from hostels and shelters each year because of insufficient beds. There are numerous programs operated and funded by all levels of government in Australia to prevent homelessness.

The Commonwealth’s main homeless program is the Supported Accomodation Assistance program. It began in 1985 and is a joint Commonwealth-state program that provides funding to more than 1200 agencies that provide help to the homeless or those in danger of becoming homeless by offering refuges, shelters and halfway houses. The Commonwealth has allocated over $800m between 2000 and 2005 for the continuation of the Supported Accomodation Assistance program. The St Vincent de Paul Society is the largest charitable oragnisation in New South Wales offering care and assistance to over 500 000 people each year.

With over 20, 000 volunteers the organisation runs The Matthew Talbot Hostel which provides 200 beds and serves 1, 000 free meals each day, and also run the St Vincent de Paul society night patrol. This takes place every night on the streets of Sydney and around the state. Voulnteers go where homeless people gather delivering sandwiches, tea and coffee, blankets and jumpers, as well as offering friendship and support. Homeless people may be well educated but are homeless due to circumstances beyond their control. Most have access to education facilities but may not use these due to low self-esteem, poor nutrition which may make it difficult for them to concerntrate, little or no income to buy books and necessary equipment, lack of social support or lack of suitable facilities to study or do work. Centrelink, through its social workers, can help homeless youth to make contact with specialist units such as the Job Placement, Employment and Training program to assist them with education and work. Many homeless people are unemployed, and are in their situation due to this. Numerous homeless people have trouble finding employment due to poor health, lack of social support, low self-esteem and poor education.

This lack of skills and knowledge make it difficult for them to find employment. Some homeless people do have jobs, which are generally low-paying which means they cannot support their children or afford rental accommodation. Centerlink community officers are available to provide service to homeless people of all ages. Officers visit various places where homeless people gather including refuges, hostels, rehabilitation centres and other common places where homeless people accumulate. The officers aim to help the homeless to understand, access and retain income support payments including Youth Allowance, and Aged, Disability and Unemployment benefits. The Emergency Relief Program provides funding to community and welfare organisations such as the Salvation Army, so that they can help homeless individuals and families. Even with the support of organisations and services available some homeless people still lack financial support.

This is because they may be squatting or living on the street rather than in a refuge or shelter where they can access help and support. Some homeless people may have drug or alcohol addictions in which most or all of their money goes towards. Others may have left a traumatic home life and will not register for any help, in fear of being found. Homeless people are at high risk of a large range of health problems including mental disorders, malnourishment, drug or alcohol abuse, sexual health and other short-term or chronic illnesses which require health needs to maintain physical and emotional wellbeing.

Depression, self-hatred and feelings of powerlessness can lead to loss of control and to acts such as self-mutilation or dependency on drugs and alcohol. Many turn to sex work to survive which is a concern as many do not have access to resources and information concerning the consequences of sexual actions or inactions, such as advice on STDS, contraception, negotiating sex, safe sex and pelvic examinations. They need to know how to access health services such as the Family Planning Association. The health needs of the homeless are high, but most homeless people attend to other needs such as food, work and housing before their health which potentially makes them more likely to form health problems.

Lack of suitable housing for the homeless is a major problem. This may be because they cannot afford safe, secure and permanent housing for themselves or their families. It also may be because they are living in an environment that threatens their safety and security. There are various programs, agencies and government departments that aim to improve and provide housing for homeless people.

Housing is provided throughThe Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) which was established in 1985 to consolidate a number of Commonwealth, State and Territory government programs assisting people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness, including women escaping domestic violence. On the 1st of January 2009, SAAP was replaced by the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA). The final SAAP program (SAAP V), governed by the Supported Assistance Act 1994, specifies that the overall aim of SAAP is to provide transitional supported accommodation and related support services, in order to help people who are homeless to achieve the maximum possible degree of self-reliance and independence. The goals The Act aims to reach are to resolve crisis, to re-establish family links where appropriate and to re-establish a capacity to live independently of SAAP. Homeless people have little or no security and often find themselves in unsafe conditions on the street, in alleyways, parks and other dangerous areas. When homeless people do find accommodation it is usually temporary and therefore does not establish a sense of belonging, safety or security. The Reconnect program is an Australia wide initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

It works with both young people and their families to assist in building relationships with family members and links to education, employment, training and community homelessness assistance if return to the family is not possible. The factors that lead to homelessness including family breakdown, lack of education, assault, abuse, mental illness and poverty have a large impact on a person’s feelings of self-worth. Many homeless people have a poor view of the future and due to their circumstances normally have low self-esteem and self-respect. Society has an influence over homeless people’s low self-esteem as opinions and attitudes towards them can be negative and in some cases stereotypical, and offensive.

The homeless tend to have a poor sense of identity due to low self-esteem, unemployment, low or no income, and loneliness. With no permanent address, homeless people lack an established identity. Gay and Lesbian Legal Definition: Homosexuality is the sexual interest in and attraction to individuals of the same sex. Female homosexuals are called lesbians, while both male and female homosexuals can be referred to as gay. Social Definition: Individuals who are attracted to people of the same sex, and are involved sexually with the same sex, are referred to in society as homosexuals. Homosexual people are seen as either being a Lesbian (female) or Gay (male or female) person. The needs of gay and lesbian people include access to services, education, financial support, security and safety, housing, employment, healthcare, and senses of self-esteem and identity. Just as heterosexual people, homosexual people require support and acceptance from family members and society.

There are a growing number of services available to homosexuals, but these may not always be used because the people needing them may not be open to their sexuality and may fear the fact that they are homosexual. There are many groups set up to support gays, lesbians and their families and friends. The AIDS Council of New South Wales is another important resource which works with all people affected by HIV. They do not just want to provide service access but seek to improve the quality of life for individuals. While many people have a positive attitude to homosexuality, others express very negative responses.

There is a need in society to educate people about sexuality issues to decrease the fear and ignorance towards those who are different from them. Homophobia is a serious problem in schools and bullying in the forms of harassment, discrimination and violence is unfortunately common for those who are open about their sexuality. Many gay and lesbian people who get bullied can be too ashsamed or too scared to seek help which can lead to taking days off school, transferring schools or leaving altogether. It is important that homosexual people are not discrimated in their workplace because of their sexuality. The Commonwealth Industrial Act 1998 and The Public Service Act 199 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in realtion to appointments, transfers and promotions. The New South Wakes Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 makes it against the law to discriminate against a person who is homosexual, a person who is thought to be homosexual or a person who has a homosexual relative or friend. Such laws in the workplace ensure that everyone is treated equally, fairly and with respect.

To ensure that homosexual people do not lose or leave their job due to their sexual orientation anit-discrimination laws and workplace support are needed. The Property Legislation Amendment Act 1999 (NSW) gave same sex couples the same rights as heterosexual de facto relationships to family provision, accident compensation, stamp duty, and property division. This act was seen as a big step towards equality for gays and lesbians. Homosexual people are often bullied about their sexuality. Being bullies is linked with mental health problems such as depression and enxiety later on in life, as well as diminished academic achievement.

There is a great need to support young homosexuals so that their health does not suffer. There needs to be raised awareness and education on the risk factors of contracting HIV. The most common way in which HIV is spread is by unsafe sex and therefore needs to be a focus area. The number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection has been decreasing with the main contributing factor to this being better education about STD’S and safe sex.

Some people within the community who are gay or lesbian that are HIV-positive are treated as if their illness is their own fault and that they deserve it because of their sexuality, so it vital that they receive support from those around them. Many young homosexuals are forced to leave home, either because of specific rejection by their parents or because they do not believe it is safe to disclose their sexuality. They need support from family and friends, and a secure environment to help them cope with any difficulties they may be experiencing. Like everyone, homosexuals need to feel secure within their environment and need to have a sense of belonging to their family and friends, as well as acceptance. Many homosexual people experience violence or harrasement due to their sexual orientation. Their physical safety is often at risk so there is a need for laws and supporting services to protect them.

Security and safety are important needs and when not met an individual’s wellbeing will not be healthy, and will suffer. According to Maslow’s theory, this will affect their social, esteem and self-actualisation needs. Due to fear of their sexuality and being rejected by family, and friends, homosexual people can have low selft-esteem. Many gay and lesbian people may not feel comfortable with who they are and feel they do not fit in. Some have a low level of self-acceptance and have difficulties accepting their sexuality. It is important that every individual is loved for who they are and that they are treated with respect like everyone else. There are many support networks and organisations available if homosexual people do not have the support they need. Services that can help include, Gay and Lesbian Welfare Associations and the National Kids Helpline.

Being recognised as different can make it difficult for people to accept themselves. Many people are open about their sexuality, while others hide or ignore it. Some Lesbian and gay people find it difficult accepting their sexuality and rejection from those they love can be devastating. Some cultures and religions can make it much more difficult to be accepted. People who live in rural areas where the gay community is less visible may find it difficult to find support as there are generally fewer support services in those areas. Newspaper Article: ‘ Same-sex marriage hurts kids’ – Brisbane Courier Mail Newspaper This article is related to negative societal views towards homosexual people and their rights. The article speaks of the opposition towards gay marriage which is a very controversial issue at the moment.

The story argues that ‘ same-sex marriage hurts kids’ and states that ‘ Gays are not second-class citizens but a gay man certainly makes a second-class mother. ’ The article reinforces the idea that ‘ gay marriage means gay parenting and gay parenting means depriving a child of either its mother or father’. The article continuously puts forward a point of view that is very much against gay rights including marriage and parenting. It also regularly states that ‘ the “ marriage of two women would deprive an adopted boy of his role model for being a man’ and that ‘ the “ marriage” of two men would deprive a growing girl of a mother to learn from and confide in. ” This view on parenting is very gender specific and related to some stereotypical qualities that are seen as motherly and fatherly things. The writer puts forth a societal view that ‘ homosexual relations do not give rise to children, so such relations are of no institutional importance to society.

’ This passage is very confronting as the writer states that gay couples and their want, and need to raise a child are of no ‘ importance to society. ’ In life most heterosexual people marry an individual who they are in love with, of the opposite sex, have children, tend and care for them until they are able to go out into the world and eventually have their own family with their partner of choice. Many homosexuals in today’s society cannot get married to their partner of choice and have children as it is against the law in various countries. This can affect gay individuals and couples wellbeing as needs are not being met which can lead to unsatisfaction in life.

This article show’s a negative point of view towards the legalisation of gay marriage and gay parenting. Many people in society have mixed opinions and attitudes towards gay rights, and this newspaper article conveys the opposed side towards the issue. Newspaper Article: Children experiencing homelessness a ‘ national scandal’ – The Daily Telegraph This article relates to issues of concern for the homeless. The newspaper article explores the overall issue of youth homelessness increasing in Australia as it is becoming a ‘ national scandal’. The article also looks at the issue of domestic violence and states it is ‘ the main reason women and children experience homelessness. ’ The continuing increase of youth homelessness is resulting in ‘ homelessness services operating at capacity, but the numbers of children presenting for help are increasing’.

The article ‘ showed people under 25 years frequently sought the support of homeless services for relationship issues’, ‘ while women aged 25 years and over also presented particularly because of family violence. ’ ‘ For men aged over 25 years, drug and alcohol abuse was the main reasons they sought homelessness support. ’ The federal government’s goal of halving homelessness by 2020 is seen to be ‘ an economic challenge’. Homeless people continue to outnumber services and organisations that specialize in supporting and helping those who are homeless. The real solution is permanent housing combined with support’, but there isn’t enough housing facilities and beds at refuges, and shelters to support the average ‘ 200, 000 people around the country who sought the assistance of specialist homeless support services’ each year.

Management strategies and realistic long and short term goals need to be put into action by the government and communities to help overcome the issue of youth homelessness and domestic violence. Protection, safety and security are also needed to overcome these issues. Funding from the government is needed in order to help and support homeless people, specially those suffering from domestic violence, relationship and family problems, and drug and alcohol abuse. Newspaper Article: Children experiencing homelessness a ‘ national scandal’ – The Daily Telegraph Being homeless can strongly influence an individual’s access to resources which makes satisfying needs difficult, and maintaining a healthy wellbeing almost impossible.

This article raises awareness of ‘ the high number of young children experiencing homelessness’ and address the issue of domestic violence particularly against women and children. Article: Senator Mitch Fifield acknowledges Australia’s Carers This article relates to societal attitudes towards the unrecognised ‘ dedication of the many unpaid carers who provide support to family and friends who are frail, or have a disability, illness or chronic condition. ’ Without carers the chronically ill would not be able to live their lives with their condition. This article acknowledges the ‘ 2. 9 million unpaid carers in Australia who give their time and energy, often 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide care, love and support’ to either a family member or friend suffering from serious or permanent illness. Throughout the article Senator Fifield expresses his appreciation to Carers and introduces Carers Week 2010. Within the article Senator Fifield tells people that “ Carers Week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness and to promote the valuable role Australian carers play in our society and acknowledge the time and support they give to others.

” Societal attitudes towards Carers who look after chronically ill individuals is very positive which is why Carers Week and Carers day were established to express how thankful Australians are for everything they do. Carers week and Carers day are an opportunity for us all to thank, recognise and show our appreciation and support to the many Australians, young and old, who often make personal sacrifices to care for a family member or friend. ” Carers allow the chronically ill and other people with serious health problems to overcome various issues by offering support, and advice, and encouraging involvement in activities which is needed to satisfy emotional and intellectual needs. Carers also allow individuals to satisfy other needs and wants on a daily basis by helping them live their life while giving them a sense of independence. This article briefly touches on the different things carers sacrifice, and provide for those who are very ill.

It signifies the mental outlook and beliefs society has towards those who care for people with chronic illnesses, and reinforces how important Carers are to those suffering from medical conditions and bad health. Bibliography* www. syracuse. com/news/index. ssf/2009/10/gay_rights_advocates_march_in* www. homeless. org. au* en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Homelessness* www-old. infoxchange. net. au/hhb/index* www. cityofsydney. nsw. gov. au/community/HomelessnessServices/Default. asp* www. apa. org/health-reform/pdf/chronically-ill. pdf* www. glrl. org. au* www. liberal. org. au* www. dailytelegraphy. com. au/news/breaking-news* www. couriermail. com. au/news/opinion/same-sex-marriage-hurts-kids* Community and Family Studies text book* Community and Family Studies workbook (my school book)http://www. markyb. com/filem/display. php? id= 61&resName= Homeless Youth&cat= Article