Being A Carer
At the APA, we recognise the important role that carers play in the care and wellbeing of patients in Australia. The contribution by carers can often go unrecognised and this can lead to feelings of being overworked and undervalued. This article will provide links to resources for new and existing carers.
Research in Australia shows that the three common areas of concern for carers are: health and wellbeing; financial strain; and social issues. This article will focus on these three areas but please contact us if you feel that a resource is missing or a topic is not covered.
Health and Wellbeing
- When caring for someone else, it is easy to forget to look after yourself
- It is important to consider your own health needs, this will enable you to be a more effective carer for longer
- Eat well, exercise, socialise and prioritise sleep
- Take a break when you need one
- Reach out for help from friends, family or your doctor
- Become familiar with these resources:
- Carers Australia – Taking Care of Yourself
- Better Health Channel – Looking After Yourself as a Carer and Emotional Support Services for Carers.
- Carer Gateway – Caring for Me
Financial strain
- As a carer you may have less time to work, and have increased expenses, these factors often cause financial strain
- If you are caring for someone under 65 years of age with a permanent and significant disability, they may be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Understanding the Medicare Safety Net may help keep medical costs to a minimum. If you spend over the threshold, you will receive a higher benefit for out of hospital medical costs.
- If the person you care for requires lots of medications you may benefit from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) safety net.
- The Department of Human Services has several different payments and allowances available depending on your individual circumstances. These are explained by Carer Gateway – Carers’ Payments Explained
Social Issues
- Respite care:
- Respite is a break from your caring role, this can be important for your wellbeing and may allow you to complete your everyday tasks
- Respite care comes in many forms, this is explained in What is Respite Care?
- Care Connect may be useful for finding services
- Advance Care Planning:
- Planning for end of life care is important for all individuals, it allows personal preferences to be respected at a time when the individual can no longer voice them. See Advance Care Planning Australia for up to date information
- There are two components to Advance Care Planning;
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- Appointing a substitute decision-maker
- This is a person you legally appoint who makes medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
- Completing an Advance Care Directive
- This is a legal document that lists your values which are to be considered by your substitute decision maker, you may also add instructions for the type of care you wish to receive in specific circumstances
- Appointing a substitute decision-maker
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- Forms for these two components vary between states and territories, find forms and requirements for your area
- Managing someone’s care:
- It can easily become overwhelming when trying to keep on top of appointments, medications and the daily care of your loved one
Read Better Health Channel – Managing appointments, treatments and medications as a carer for helpful advice