Carers are a vital part of Australia’s health system and the foundation of our aged, disability, palliative and community care systems.
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Yet they are usually unheralded and unnoticed.
On top of that, most of us probably have little understanding of what a carer’s life is really like.
David, 19, for instance, had to give up his apprenticeship to look after his disabled father and two younger siblings when his mother passed away. It’s brought them closer.
Brenda, 31, lost her social network when her friends couldn’t cope with her autistic son’s behaviour. She’s found new friends at a carers’ social group.
Marie, 52, lost touch with her teenage sons when she became a full-time carer for her mother with dementia.
She’s now re-connecting with them since she began using a dementia respite centre.
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These stories give a small insight into the highs and lows of being a carer – those unpaid individuals who look after family members and friends who have a disability, are ageing or have an ongoing mental or other illness.
National Carers Week, October 15-21, is an ideal opportunity to learn about caring and carers because anyone at any time can become a carer, and anyone at any time may need care.
Caring can be a deeply rewarding experience and a cherished labour of love.
Phoebe, who cares for her mother with dementia, says “The best thing I have done for my mum in my life has been my commitment of care. It has made us closer.”
Yet while there are certainly rewards, most carers also face numerous difficult challenges in trying to balance family, work, caring and their own needs.
“These challenges include financial hardship, social isolation, health and wellbeing issues, frustration, exhaustion and extreme stress” says Lisa Kelly, CEO of Carers ACT.
“That’s why Carers ACT is so committed to providing carers with practical and emotional supports so they feel re-energised, empowered and socially connected and better able to face these pressures,” she continued.
Carers who tap into support services find them a ‘lifeline’ and urge others to seek support early.
“Be kind to yourself,” advised Phoebe. “Just take one day at a time and give yourself permission to cry, laugh, scream, eat chocolate and share what you’ve learned with others.”
How You Can Help?
There’s a lot you can do to make a carer’s life easier.
Often, it will be those little things that actually end up making a huge difference.
Here are some suggestions:
- Offer to drive them to/from activities
- Prepare some meals
- Clean their house
- Prune their garden
- Stop by for a cuppa and chat
- Babysit
- Help them sort out paperwork
- Invite them to your social events (and be understanding if they often cancel at the last minute)
- Learn about the illness or disability they’re dealing with (so you better understand them and the person they care for)
- Send them a ‘thank you’ on the thank you wall at www.carersweek.com.au
