Carers come in many guises – some are professionals and paid for their services, yet many people across Australia offer support to their family, close friends or loved ones on an unpaid basis.
Unpaid carers often find themselves taking on this role when the health of someone close to them deteriorates rapidly. While they may have some of the required skills to provide adequate care, they can also feel overwhelmed or in need of knowledge and carer resources.
If you are an unpaid carer in need of support, then read on. Our article offers guidance and tips to help you navigate your way in this role, allowing you to support your loved one safely and effectively.
Caring for a Family Member or Loved One
Many Australians need help with their day-to-day activities for multiple reasons – a chronic illness, ageing, convalescence and rehabilitation, or disability. You may already be caring for someone in this position or have recently assumed this role and have some questions.
If this is you, you’re not alone. It happens frequently nowadays, with more people than ever taking on the role of carer for a friend or relative who needs daily support. In fact, according to Caring Together – a charity and online resource for care givers – as many as ‘3 in 5 of us will care for someone in our lifetime’.
While you might be one of many unpaid carers, it can still feel confusing and overwhelming when you find yourself in this position. The great news for carers is that there are plenty of free, informative resources available to help you.
Resources for Family Caregivers
Carer Gateway
When looking for support for unpaid carers, the Carer Gateway is a great place to start. It’s a federal government website, offering objective and helpful information about being a carer, relevant local services, and access to professional care providers who can help support you in your carer’s role. You can also learn about caregiver financial assistance and find out if you’re eligible.
Carers Australia
Carers Australia is the national peak body for Australia’s unpaid carers. On their website, you’ll find a wealth of information on carer health, wellbeing, and financial security – all of which are crucial to ensuring you remain physically and mentally capable to continue caring for your loved one.
Charities, bodies and foundations
There are many organisations providing information about disabilities, chronic illnesses or aged care support services. If you search for the condition relevant to your loved one – for example, ‘dementia carer resources’ – you will find links to charities and foundations who can help you. These are some of the popular ones:
- Support for families and carers | Dementia Australia
- I am a Carer – Palliative Care Australia
- For families and carers | NDIS
Respite care information from Healthdirect
If you’re an unpaid carer, it is important that you know about ‘respite care’ – that’s when a professional carer or other family member steps in to give you a break – which is essential for your own wellbeing.
You can find out more about respite for aged care here, or head to Healthdirect for respite care information from the government.
How to Become a Caregiver for a Family Member
There is no formal process to become a carer for someone in your family or a loved one. Yet if this a role you find yourself doing, there are some recommended steps to follow to ensure you are getting help as well as any entitlements such as financial support.
Register with Carer Gateway – carergateway.gov.au provides support such as respite care, counselling, and skills courses. Unpaid carers can register to access these services.
Apply for Carer Payments & Allowances – Services Australia offers financial support to carers who meet the eligibility requirements, for example:
- Carer Payment: For full-time carers who cannot work due to their caregiving role.
- Carer Allowance: A supplement for carers providing daily support.
Be Recognised Under State/Territory Programs – Some states have specific carer recognition laws and support programs (e.g., Carers Recognition Act in Victoria, Queensland, and SA).
Register as a Carer with Local Councils or Organisations – Some councils and carer organisations offer additional support, resources, and respite services.
A Final Word About Unpaid Carers
Being an unpaid carer can feel lonely and also a little scary, particularly when you first take on this role. Yet there is no need to struggle while trying to stay resilient for your loved one’s sake. Using the tips in this guide, you can conquer the role and feel good about what you are doing to support someone who relies on you.
If you are already providing unpaid care or about to do so and have concerns, contact the caring and compassionate team at Vital Home Health Services today. We can help you navigate the complexities of care and succeed in your role.
