Some weeks ago I was invited to attend a roundtable meeting of family carers, to provide input into the government’s National Carer Strategy. While the meeting I attended was for older carers over 65, family carers come from all age groups and there are many issues that need looking at. Previously I have cared for two family members with special support needs over a 17 year period
Many years ago I knew of nine year old twins, caring for their mother with MS in the high rise housing in Richmond. I knew a young teenage boy in a small rural town, who suddenly found himself running the household on the death of one parent and the other with mental health issues. He often missed school while carrying out the caring role. I am aware of young siblings of a child with severe disabilities, acting as carers and supporting their parents, even before they went to school.
Although there are supports and services, at the meeting many carers spoke of the long wait for NDIS, or Age Care assessment, and even if approved (often after 12 month’s wait) perhaps the all the services and support you need, is not necessarily available in your area, especially in rural and remote areas.
Quite a number of carers are caring for more than one person. There are older carers caring for adult children, some of whom may have challenging behaviours. Carers are well known to neglect their own health needs, and many, especially those families where someone has dementia, need mental health support as well as appropriate respite. Again these services are not always available. Some carers feel guilty about asking for help. At the meeting there were exhausted carers in tears, as they told their stories.
Many people who are (unpaid) Family Carers are unaware of the supports (limited though they may be) that are available. Carers may be friends or neighbours, or family members of the person needing support. You may be eligible for the Carer Payment and Carer allowance through Centrelink. Older Pensioners where one cares for the other, who change from an Age Pension to a Carer payment get an extra $153.50 a fortnight. Contact Centrelink.
If you or someone you know is a carer, and you feel more support is needed, you can find out what support services are in your area, and how to access them. A good place to start, is the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
If you would like to contribute to the National Carer Strategy before September 5 contact National Carer Strategy.
Ruth Bray,
Daylesford
