Carers are people who, without payment, provide
care and support for a relative or friend who has a disability, is frail
aged, or who has a chronic mental or physical illness.
Carer support includes a range of services that may offer Carers
additional support to assist them in their caring role. Carer support
helps Carers balance their caring role with their own needs so health
and well-being can be maintained
Respite is a type of Carer support that
provides alternative care for the person you care for. This can be short
term, emergency or on a more planned basis. Respite can be arranged so
the person you care for has a care worker provide support in your home
or in the community. It may be a situation where the person you care for
attends an activity or facility where they have their needs met for a
day or longer, including overnight.
There are a number of key people who can assist you
when you feel that you require some information or support. If you are
unsure who you should be talking to, please contact one of the Carer
Support and Respite Centre Staff. If we are not the best people to
assist you, we will try to 'point you in the right direction'
Often you may not feel able to ask
for help. Please be assured that you are not judged when you ask for
information or assistance and all calls are confidential and can remain
anonymous. In fact, we are very pleased when people do ask us for
information about assistance, it means they are recognizing that they
have needs and are wanting to find balance in their caring role.
There are many places where Carers
can receive support for themselves and the people they care for. Please
call the Carer Support and Respite Centre staff to put you in touch with
the most appropriate agency or service to meet you current situation.
There are many types of supports and services available to assist you in
your caring role. These include medical, equipment, personal care,
meals, home assistance, Carer Support, respite, transport, linen
service, etc.
The Carer
Support and Respite Centre staff will listen to what your situation
involves and be able to work out with you what support or information
may be of assistance to you and the person you care for. At times the
Carer Support and Respite Centre will provide you with the support you
are requiring at other times we may refer you on to a more appropriate
agency.
As a Carer you may have specific
queries about the legal issues involved in making decisions on behalf of
the person you care for. As each situation is different we advise that
you speak to our staff about your particular concern or if you need to,
seek legal advice. Other issues about managing someone else's financial
affairs can also cause concern. Advice can be gained through the Office
of the Public Advocate and the Public Trustee. We can refer you to
appropriate agencies to provide you with more assistance.
Other people often think they know what
you need. Sometimes they might see things differently to you and you can
use their 'birds eye view' as a checking point for yourself. Other times
they might be suggesting things based on how they would feel or cope if
they were in your situation. Whichever the case may be, you are the only
one who will know when it is the right time to seek assistance. You
might prepare yourself over a long period of time by getting information
and getting in touch with some services so, when you decide the time is
right, you know where to go for support.
It
is always wise to have a 'plan' in place in case of an emergency. You
may need to prepare a number of 'plans'. We can help you with developing
your emergency plan, which may include the Carer Support and Respite
Centre after hours/ emergency telephone number along with other formal
or informal contacts.
There
are two main benefits that Carers can access through Centrelink. One of
these is the Carer Payment. It is an income support payment you can get
if you personally provide full time care. It is income and assets
tested, both for the Carer and the person being cared for.
The other type of financial support is called a Carer Allowance and is
payable to Carers caring for a person who experiences a substantial
functional impairment as a result of his/her disability. It is not
income or assets tested and can be paid in addition to the Carer
Payment. For more information about eligibility contact Centrelink.
