Support for Carers

Government Support

The government have a range of help services for people who are carers. Whether you are a carer for a few hours a week or all day every day, caring for a relative, friend or neighbour can take its toll.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is your situation out of control?
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused or shocked by your situation?
Do you find it difficult to say ‘no’?
Would you like a break from caring?
Do you no longer see your friends?
Are you feeling isolated and don’t know how to connect to others?
Do you feel that nobody understands what you are going through?
Would you like to learn some coping or stress management skills?
Are you dealing with sadness, grief or loss (this could include loss of the life you used to know or loss of opportunities for the person you care for)?
Are you going through a transition i.e. giving up your job to look after somebody?
Would you like some practical problem-solving techniques?
Do you need help to focus on your own health and wellbeing?
Would you like to just talk to someone about your situation?
Are you feeling guilty, frustrated or angry about the situation?
Are you afraid about what will happen when you can no longer perform your caring role?

If you answer ‘yes’ to these questions: Click here to find out what help might be available

Carer Gateway

The Carer Gateway is an online resource portal for helping carers remain engaged in the community, participate in the workforce and stay healthy while continuing their caring role. Developed specifically for carers, the Carer Gateway helps carers access practical information and advice and connect with services in their local area. Carer Gateway includes a website, phone service and an interactive service finder to assist carers.

Phone: 1800 422 737
Website: www.carergateway.gov.au

Carers Queensland

Carers Queensland is the peak body representing, advocating and being the voice for carers throughout Queensland. They offer support to carers in couselling, group support, information and referrals.

Their core work includes:

representing the voice of carers
raising awareness of carers and caring in our communities
research, policy development and effective advocacy
providing quality services and programs to support the needs of carers and the people they care for.

Carers Advisory Service: 1800 242 636
Find Carer Support Groups: https://carersqld.com.au/about-us/regional-offices/
National Carer Counselling Program: https://carersqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Counselling-Flyer-Carers-Queensland.pdf
Carers Queensland Head Office: (07) 3900 8100
Website: carersqld.asn.au

Arafmi

Arafmi supports those who care for, or about, someone with a mental illness. It offers phone support, counselling, family respite, support group meetings and workshops for carers.

24 Hour Carer Helpline:1300 554 660

Office Phone: (07) 3254 1881 (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm)
Website: https://arafmi.com.au/

Veterans

If you’re a carer, DVA can provide respite care to give you a break, whether you’re planning a holiday, wanting to catch up with family and friends, to attending a regular community activity.
Carers can access the Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling service by calling 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms Website at https://www.openarms.gov.au/
To learn more about respite care options, call the Veterans’ Home Care Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450 or the DVA general enquiries number 1800 555 254 or visit https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-treatment/care-home-or-aged-care/support-carers/respite-care

Care Assistance

Commonwealth Home Support Program – For those eligible, the Commonwealth Home support Program may offer assistance or respite. For more information visit: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/commonwealth-home-support-programme or Phone: My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Qld Community Support Scheme– For those eligible, the Queensland Community Support Scheme may offer a small amount of assistance to keep or regain your independence. For more information visit:https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/community-home-care-services/queensland-community-support-scheme

NDIS – The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is how eligible Australians can access disability supports.

Phone: 1800 800 110
Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/

ADA Australia

ADA Australia offer independent advocacy for care recipients. If you are caring for someone who is unhappy with the care they are receiving you can contact ADA Australia on their behalf. ADA Australia offers free advocacy to support them to address their care related issues. Contact ADA Australia on:

Phone: 1800 818 338
Website: www.adaaustralia.com.au

Other Support

Some organisations which may be able to assist you to help you protect the rights of the person you care for include: