Principles for Carers
The International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) has established the following 6 guiding principles to improve cares’ lives across the globe. The principles set a framework that ground the work of IACO’s 16 member nations committed to building a global understanding of and respect for the vital role of family carers. IACO Principles for Carers are used as a touchstone for strategic decision-making to ensure IACO’s work for carers are authentic and meaningful.
Principle 1: Recognition
Carers are recognised for the central role they play in the well-being of the person they are caring for, in community capacity, in society and economic prosperity.
Principle 2: Equal opportunities
Carers have a right to equal opportunities and the ability to specify preferences in all spheres of life, including to what extent they want to be involved in care.
Principle 3:Information and knowledge
Carers have a right to access the information, advocacy and training, appropriate to their stage of the caring journey, and to look after their well-being.
Principle 4: Health and Well-being
Carers have a right to access the information, advocacy and training, appropriate to their stage of the caring journey, and to look after their well-being.
Principle 5: Employment
Carers have a right to combine caring with paid employment, be supported by their employers and have equal opportunities to remain in and return to work.
Principle 6: Financial security
Carers do not experience economic hardship as a result of caring and are financially secure through schemes that alleviate the pressure on personal finances from caring.