One of the challenges in being a carer is knowing what is available and how to link up with the many support services which exist to help carers and the people they are caring for. This page gives a introduction to the various forms of assistance for carers.
There are many different services for carers, to take into account people’s varying needs and circumstances. They include services for people of different ethnic or religious backgrounds and for Aboriginal people. Help is available from governments, charitable and other non-government organisations (including The Benevolent Society) and from private agencies.
Help in the home
There are services in every area to help carers and the person they care for, at home. They include:
- personal care – to help with showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed etc
- nursing care – to change dressings, give injections etc
- housekeeping – to help with cooking, cleaning, garden maintenance and more, to give carers time for other things
- food services, transport, home maintenance and modifications etc
- equipment
- specialised help for carers who look after older people with dementia.
When to ask for help at home
Carers are usually the first to notice changes in the person they care for. By contacting their doctor, community service provider or Respite and Carelink Centre early on, crises can be avoided. Warning signs that an older person’s health is deteriorating include more frequent visits to the doctor, changes in their ability to do things or get around, and increased confusion.
Looking after yourself
It is important for carers to recognise when they need some help themselves. Increased feelings of stress, exhaustion or feeling unable to cope are signs that carers may need additional support.
Services to give carers a break
Services are available to assist carers and allow them to have a break, do other things or look after their own needs. This is known as ‘respite care’ and includes:
- care at home – a careworker comes to the home to look after the person for a few hours, or maybe overnight
- outside activities – social or recreational activities for the person, or an outing or short holiday for the whole family
- longer breaks – the person is looked after for whole days, weekends or weeks at a community cottage, day centre, nursing home or hostel.
Carer support groups
Carer support groups give carers a chance to get together to talk about things, support one another and learn about what’s available in their area to help them. One-to-one counselling can also help carers with the emotional, social and relationship issues that affect them as carers. To find out more ring the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636.
Financial assistance
Carers may be eligible for payments through Centrelink. A good starting point for help and information about financial assistance is the Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636.
Information, advice and help
To ask about getting help and/ or to find out about the services in your area contact:
- your doctor
- health or community worker
- local council
- Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre 1800 242 636
- Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre 1800 059 059
- Carers NSW 02 9280 4744
Useful websites
Carers’ Survival Guide
Information sheets for carers (available in several languages)
Young carers (interactive website for young carers in NSW)