Caring for the carers

ONE in five Victorians is defined as a carer.
Carers are people who are responsible for the support of a family member or friend who is sick, frail aged or disabled.
Life as a carer is inconceivable for many of us; try to imagine the extra responsibilities an individual has to encounter in every aspect of their life.
Let us reflect on the changes that can occur if suddenly:
•Your partner is diagnosed with dementia.
•Your child is born with a significant physical or intellectual disability.
•Your teenager acquires a brain injury through a road trauma.
•Your spouse is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
These life changes might seem inconceivable to most of us but in reality they happen to 20 per cent of us.
Carers are often on call 24 hours a day seven days a week. The relentless need to be available, observant and helpful leads to physical and emotional exhaustion.
Having fun and participating in family outings can become difficult, a good night’s sleep can become a thing of the past.
However respite care is available with overnight nursing care for $20 for eligible families.
The council services can also provide in home care during the day to enable carers to go out to undertake key tasks.
The Carer Drop Inn held weekly in Healesville and Yarra Junction are useful places to relax and chat with other carers.
There are also ‘out and about’ programs for men so that they have a great day out and their carers get a break too.
We are planning a social connections group for women through a local advisory group and hope a music sing along afternoon will become a regular feature of our planned activity groups.
The multi purpose Taxi Program is a useful entitlement as are carer’s allowances.
Our newly appointed bereavement counsellor can also help carers talk through the grief and loss associated with these changes.
We are also looking for people to offer brief periods of support to allow a carer to go down the street for a coffee with a friend.
For more information call Yarra Valley Community Health Service on 1300 130 381 and ask for service coordination.