CARER GATEWAY
Carer Gateway Counselling Service.
Caring for a loved one is important work. Some days caring brings great joy, but some days it can be lonely or a little overwhelming. No matter how you feel today, there is a counselling professional just a phone call away.
The Carer Gateway Counselling Service is a free service for carers. Each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, our professional counsellors are waiting to talk through the concerns you have and how you feel about your carer role. To learn more about how counselling helps carers, watch their video “Introducing the Carer Gateway Counselling Service” on https://counselling.carergateway.gov.au/s/
To use the Carer Gateway Counselling Service, simply select ‘Request a Callback’, fill in your details and they will call you back within one business day. You can also call 1800 422 737 and Select Option 1 to speak to our team.
If you are distressed and need immediate support, please select the ‘Urgent Help’ tab for details of 24 hour crisis services.
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First anniversary of service dedicated to support 2.7 million unpaid carers
06 April 2021
Carer Gateway celebrates its one-year anniversary on 6 April, marking twelve months since the introduction of the Australian Government funded support service providing dedicated carer services to Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers.
With 1 in 8 Australians caring for a family member or friend who needs support due to disability, age, mental ill health, or long-term physical illness, Carer Gateway has been available to over 700,000 carers in Queensland and the New South Wales Regions of South West Sydney and Nepean Blue mountains seeking specialist carer-focused services including counselling, peer support, carer support planning and carer directed support packages, as well as emergency respite services.
Over the past twelve months, Wellways Carer Gateway has established shopfronts, service outlets and a flexible workforce to achieve service coverage across urban, regional and rural Queensland and New South Wales.
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Carer Gateway phone line:
You can call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm, to speak to a Carer Gateway service provider. They will talk with you to understand your needs and provide the support and services to assist you in your caring role, including:
Note: Assistance to access Emergency Respite is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week by calling 1800 422 737.
https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/210513_Budget-Document_Updated..pdf
The main focus of the 2021-22 Federal Budget, delivered on 11 May 2021, was aged care and the extent to which Ministers have embedded carers into aged care reform. This includes a significant investment in residential respite subsidies to benefit up to 67,000 families each year, $134.9 million to boost the Commonwealth Home Support Programme respite services for an additional 8,400 clients, and $60.1 million investment to improve respite for dementia carers, along with training for residential facilities to implement respite care plans for dementia care respite models. Increasing funding for respite options for older Australians is a step toward redressing the current gaps in the system for both carers and those they care for, where carers will be able to take a break knowing that their loved one is looked after.
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New in-person coaching service for carers
If you provide care and support to a family member or friend, you will soon be able to access a new in-person coaching service through Carer Gateway.
Launching at the end of July, 2021, this new service gives carers the opportunity to work one-on-one with a coach who supports you towards improving your overall wellbeing. You can work out what you want to change in your life and how to make it happen.
Carers who were part of a pilot program for the service reported that the in-person coaching helped with their sense of empowerment, and taught them new strategies to put into place to support their own wellbeing in their caring role.
Carers can find out more about the coaching service and other support services by calling Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and selecting option 1 to speak with their local service provider, or visit the Carer Gateway website.
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Carer Gateway - for YOU!
Carer Gateway provides practical information and advice and connects Carers with local supports. To register for Carer Gateway call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au
Getting help through Carer Gateway
Carers can get a wide range of help – from counselling and peer support groups to respite care, home help and equipment.
How can I get Help?
When you call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, you will reach a Carer Gateway service provider in your area. A trained worker will be available to talk with you and then help you to find services and support to meet your needs.
Carer services are available through a new Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers.
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is a national support service funded by the Australian Government. It provides FREE SUPPORT for Carers through a network of regional Carer Gateway service providers.
Wellways Australia is the chosen service provider of Carer Gateway services throughout Queensland and New South Wales regions of South West Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains.
Who can access Carer Gateway?
If you support a family member or friend who has a disability, mental health condition, chronic health condition, terminal illness, or is frail aged, you can access free supports via Carer Gateway.
You don't need to be a new carer to use Carer Gateway services - any carer can use the services at any time in their caring journey.
What services are available for Carers?
Carer Gateway gives you access to a range of free services and supports to help you when you are caring for someone else, these include:
COVID-19 uPDATE: With the current climate it is more important than ever that you have access to carer supports. Some services have been modified to limit face-to-face contact.
How to access Care Gateway
Our Carer Gateway team is available 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
To register for services, call 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au for more information.
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NEW: Disability Gateway
The Federal Government has funded the Disability Gateway as the national disability information service. Started 27th January, we suggest you access the Disability Gateway, available on 1800 643 787 or at https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
Welcome to the Disability Gateway
The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia. Watch welcome video
Disability e-news The Department of Social Services provides a regular newsletter with information for people with disability and carer sectors. Read the latest edition of the Disability e-news
19 January 2021
Late in 2020, we shared information about the improvements we are making to the NDIS.
You can see the commitments we have made to improve the NDIS in our Service Charter and Participant Improvement Plan, and you can track our progress against them on Participant Service Improvement Plan page.
We want to make sure you get the most up to date information about the improvements as they happen. The best way to do this is by signing up to the NDIS eNewsletter, which comes out each fortnight.
The NDIS eNewsletter is full of the latest news, participant stories and I address some of the common questions and misconceptions I hear about with what is happening with the NDIS.
Sign up for the NDIS eNewsletter today.
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available. In January 2021 the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started in January 2021 and include a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
What is the Disability Gateway?
The Disability Gateway will:
Who is the Disability Gateway for?
The Disability Gateway is for all people with disability, their families and carers.
Questions and Answers:
Who is eligible to call the 1800-phone number?
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available.
This month the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started January 2021 and includes a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
Help us test the Gateway: We are looking for feedback to improve and enhance the Disability Gateway pilot website—we encourage you to log on and explore the site. Feedback buttons are located at the top and bottom right hand sides at Disability Gateway.
You can directly provide your feedback to the Disability Gateway Team at [email protected]
Is the Disability Gateway website finished?
The Disability Gateway site is still being developed and refined ahead of the Ministerial launch scheduled for May 2021 when a national television and press campaign will also commence.
More information
For more information go to Disability Gateway or view our stakeholder kit.
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RESPITE - URGENT OR JUST FOR THAT BREAK
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre - Elanora Phone 24/7
Blue Care, Elanora House 1 Pines Lane, Elanora QLD 4221
Phone 1800 052 222
Phone 24/7 1800 059 059
Website https://www.bluecare.org.au/
Address: 23 Main St, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 1800 052 222
Residential respite care can be used on a planned or emergency basis to help with carer stress, illness, holidays or if the carer is unavailable for any reason.
Can have up to 63 days of respite care in a financial year, with the possibility of extensions of 21 days at a time if an ACAT considers this necessary.
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General community services assist you to stay at home and remain independent.
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/general-community-services
Wellways, offers a range of services, including shopping, domestic assistance, personal care, transport and general nursing. Generally these services are funded by a government or aged care package, though some people choose to pay for the services themselves.
Services generally last from one to two hours and may take place on several days during the week or, in some cases, seven days per week. Services include meal preparation, personal care and domestic assistance.
Wellways recognises that having carers come into your home can be awkward so we strive to provide consistent carers and roster staff of your choice. Community services are always by appointment to ensure that your home life is disrupted as little as possible.
For more information, please contact us on 1300 111 400.
Home and personal care services assist you to stay at home and remain independent.
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-and-personal-care-services
Wellways offers a range of services which include shopping, domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, transport and general nursing.
Services generally last from one to two hours and may take place on several days during the week or, in some cases, seven days per week.
Our personal care services can assist older people with their daily living activities which may include:
Wellways recognises that having carers come into your home can be awkward so we strive to provide consistent carers and roster staff of your choice.
Community services are always by appointment to ensure that your home life is disrupted as little as possible.
For more information, please contact Wellways on 1300 363 898
Home Respite Services - that Essential break... for YOU :-)
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-respite-services
In-home respite provides a carer to support you in your own home while your family member or regular carer is taking a break.
Wellways, offers a range of services, including meal preparation, personal care and domestic assistance from one hour up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The advantage of having in-home respite services is that you remain in your own home in familiar surroundings. Wellways staff are very respectful and will always ensure you feel comfortable in your home.
Funding for in-home respite is available from local governmental agencies, or you can choose to pay for the services.
For more information, please contact us on 1300 111 500.
In-Home Nursing Services
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-nursing-services
Wellways, can provide professional nursing staff to help you manage your health and medical needs at home.
Our services include:
In-Home End-of-Life care
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-end-life-care
Wellways works with you, your General Practitioner and other healthcare professionals to provide comfort and support to you, your family and friends as you near the end of your life’s journey.
If you choose to stay at home surrounded by your loved ones, we can arrange services and supports to meet your personal and medical needs with kindness and compassion. Our services include:
The NDIS and you
Wellways is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania provider offering mental health and disability support and services. We have the knowledge to assist you in the NDIS eligibility and planning processes, together with the expertise to coordinate your NDIS plan and deliver the services you need.
Contact us https://www.wellways.org/yourndis#contact or call our peer led support and referral service Helpline on 1300 111 500 to speak to our staff about your needs.
NDIS Registration Number: 4050000184
Wellways services can be purchased through NDIS funding.
Wellways offers both Core and Capacity Building supports and we will help you get the most out of your NDIS plan. We are experienced in support coordination and support connection, as we have local knowledge and strong links to the community.
The supports we offer include:
If you are eligible for the NDIS we can provide you with the best services and supports for your needs. https://www.wellways.org/our-services
Support for carers from other agencies
The Carer Skills courses provide information, insights and practical tips to help carers develop new understanding and skills important in their caring role.
Each free online self-paced learning modules takes approximately 20–40 minutes to complete and you can download your responses to questions in the module to use as a resource and reminder.
Explore our Carer Skills courses to help improve your health and wellbeing.
Department of Social Services (DSS)
DSS provide information and links to a range of services available locally and across Australia, including services for people with a disability and those who provide care. Centres can assist carers with options to take a break through short-term and emergency respite, based on assessed need, and provide advice on and coordinate access to respite services in a carer’s local area.
You can find more information on the DSS website about these topics:
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services.
You can find more information on the Carer Gateway website
Print Resources Different people have different needs for information at different times during an illness. Patients will also have different needs from their carers. To support these different needs the following list of resources has been compiled based around topics relevant to patients and their carers. The source of the information is included, note that some information is from outside Australia.
https://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/tabid/1262/Default.aspx#BGL
Informal Caregiving and Its Impact on Health: A Reappraisal From Population-Based Studies
Our country is in the early stages of an unprecedented explosion in the number of older adults who will be living at home with physical disabilities or serious cognitive impairments. The need to provide adequate care to these vulnerable older adults is a major challenge facing our society on many levels. The assumption of our current health care system is that close family members will provide the majority of day-to-day assistance and manage the wide array of problems that confront these older adults with disabilities. However, most health care delivery models focus primarily on individual patients and do not properly engage, educate, or support family caregivers or other informal care providers.
Spousal Caregivers Are Caregiving Alone In The Last Years Of Life
June 2019
We hypothesized that spouses who were solo caregivers—that is, the only caregivers (paid or unpaid) who provided assistance with a spouse’s self-care or household activities—would experience more depression after bereavement than supported spouses would. Using information from the Health and Retirement Study, we found that 55 percent of the spouses of community-dwelling married people with disability were solo caregivers. Solo caregiving was even common among people who cared for spouses with dementia and those with adult children living close by. Bereavement outcomes did not differ between solo and supported caregiving spouses. Caregiving spouses are often isolated and may benefit from greater support, particularly during the final years before bereavement.
What a Carer 'Actually' DOES:
Carer self-assessment checklist:
As a Carer, there are a number of things to consider to make sure both you and the person you care for remain as healthy as possible, both physically and emotionally.
By doing a carer needs assessment and self-assessing your own situation, you will better know what resources you may need to draw on in the future.
A good place to start for a self-assessment is to note down how many hours you spend each week helping, supervising or prompting the person you care for with, for example:
Knowing how much time you spend on these home care activities will also help you when you are assessed for Government carer support services.
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Do you need a break from your caring role? This is called Respite Care
and may include:
And do remember that FALLS Do constitute a Great Risk for our loved ones. What to do?
Good info for you to use and share, print out: https://joscelin.weebly.com/contacts-to-go-to-for-help.html
Keep informed
It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources. You can access more information from:
24/7 healthdirect hotline
Contact type: Service
Telephone: 1800 022 222
Website: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
Symptom Checker
Anxiety and Depression
Breathing Problems
Colds and Flu
Fever
Rashes and Skin Problems
Sexual Health
Other Symptoms
Find a Health Service
GP (General Practice)
Pharmacy
Emergency Departments
Hospitals
Dentists
Physiotherapy
Counselling
Need more Services...
Health topics
Search all our content for trusted health information including resources from our information partners.
Australian Government website
World Health Organization
Wellways - Help for Carers
- Office locations
Wellways - https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus
NDIS website
Carers - who are separated from their care receivers due to cornonavirus, you can use 63 respite days without your payments stopping. If you run out of respite days, you can call the Carers line on 132 717.
01 March 2021
and R E L A X with the Sandbag Technique...
There IS Help for Carers in their role...
Do click on here to find out our latest happenings Angels Carer Support Group. Held the last Tuesday of each month at St. Paul's Anglican Church Hall, 69 Palm Beach Ave, PALM BEACH
Come just after 1.00pm for that cuppa and a chat. Often we have Speakers on subjects of interest to us as Carers - they start about 1.00pm and go to about 3.00pm. Other times we just sit, relax and enjoy each other's company and support each other as we face the daily caregiving tasks. Sit and chat, and take a brief break - for YOU :-) We hold our meetings on the last Tuesday of the month. Father Phillip is a Great Supporter of the Angels.
YOU are most welcome to join us :-) Do take CARE of YOU too...
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Since 6 April 2020, the new Australia-wide network of regional Carer Gateway service providers give carers access to:
“These services give carers access to a range of supports to help reduce stress, build resilience and cope with daily challenges,” Minister Ruston said.
“For example, if a carer is looking to get back into the workforce, they can access a financial support package to go towards their education or training.
“Under previous arrangements, each year we provided support to carers on 130,000 occasions but under the new model this will increase to about 700,000. This is an unprecedented growth in the availability of services for carers.”
Planning for emergencies
Add to read later
Emergencies can happen anytime. If you are a carer, planning for emergencies will help you to cope even when things go wrong.
How to say, "No". The Most Difficult Word for a Carer - any Carer...
YOU do not have to do this all by Yourself. There IS help. The first thing to do is 'Just Ask'. Call 1800 422 737. It's OK. It's Not your fault.
Sometimes it 'Just IS'. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
The carer coaching service provides an opportunity for you to explore the impacts of your caring role on your life.
Designed in partnership with carers, each coaching session will get you thinking about:
Each session includes evidence supported information, practical tips, resources, reflection activities and stories from real Australian carers.There are eight coaching sessions available.
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As you may have been aware, the Commonwealth Government made a commitment to deliver a National Carer Gateway as part of an Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services.
https://www.carergateway.gov.au/respite/how-get
EMERGENCY RESPITE
Who is eligible for emergency respite?
Emergency respite care may be available to anyone who cares for a loved one, family member or friend in their home who:
There are many different situations where emergency respite care might be available, including:
How does emergency respite work?
The form of respite varies with the time, level and type of care needed:
Assessment for emergency respite
RESPITE - URGENT OR JUST FOR THAT BREAK
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre - Elanora Phone 24/7
Blue Care, Elanora House 1 Pines Lane, Elanora QLD 4221
Phone 1800 052 222
Phone 24/7 1800 059 059
Website https://www.bluecare.org.au/
Address: 23 Main St, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 1800 052 222
Residential respite care can be used on a planned or emergency basis to help with carer stress, illness, holidays or if the carer is unavailable for any reason.
Can have up to 63 days of respite care in a financial year, with the possibility of extensions of 21 days at a time if an ACAT considers this necessary.
Call your nearest Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, Elanora on 1800 052 222 (1800 059 059 outside business hours). They will help you to access the services that might be most suitable for your situation.
While emergency respite aims to give you the support you need as soon as possible, you may still have to provide some information to make sure the right type of care can be provided.
YOU do not have to do this all by Yourself. There IS help. The first thing to do is 'Just Ask'. Call 1800 422 737. It's OK. It's Not your fault.
Sometimes it 'Just IS'. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
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The individual’s coping style to psychosocial stress impacts the stress-induced pathological changes and the risk of psychological disorders such as depression.
For an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
Download booklet beyondblue’s 'A guide to what works for anxiety'
7 Carer Coping Skills and Planning tips for those Special Occasions
Those Special Occasions/Celebrations are a challenging time for Carers, for many it can be overwhelming, stressful with mixed emotions such as anxiety, love and sadness. Some family members that you don’t often see may find it difficult to understand the complexities of a mental illness, which could lead to loved ones feeling rejected.
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“Older People Face A Future Without Family Members Being Able To Care For Them”
Australia’s population is ageing. The number of age-related illnesses, such as dementia, are also on the rise – for example, 250 new cases of dementia are diagnosed every day.
More than 3.5 million Australians (roughly one in every seven people) are aged over 65 and more than half of these live with a disability.
Already 26.8% of older Australians live alone. And these numbers are only set to rise as the population ages.
8 August 2018
10 Surprising Rewards of Caregiving
The sometimes overlooked benefits of the role:
by Dave Singleton, Health Journalist
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/family-caregivers/#the-surprising-benefits-of-being-a-caregiver
“As caregivers experience the realities of daily life for the person they care for, they may be better prepared than others to consider and plan for their own wishes as they age.”
Ultimately, caregiving becomes as much about you as it does about the person in your care. “Seeing the person you are caring for smile when you come into a room, or relax when you brush their hair, makes you, as the caregiver, feel like you are making a difference,” says Smetanka. “And isn't that what many of us want? To make a difference?”
To find out how the National Carer Gateway 'actually' works - http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/carer-gateway-service-finder
When you go into the National Carer Gateway there is list of options -
How the service types are broken down into easily recognisable categories: http://healthdirect.gov.au/carer-gateway-service-finder-categories
Up comes a list of options, and who can help in your preferred location. You can then click on their website or phone them for any extra information.
Counselling
The implementation of the Carer Gateway is a nationally identifiable place for all carers to go for information, regardless of who they care for, to access support and referral to services. This is delivered through an online platform (including website and service finder) complete with a national contact centre.
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An additional fortnightly payment if you give daily care to someone who has a disability, serious illness, or is frail aged.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance
Eligibility basics
Guides to help you use myGov, Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support accounts and Express Plus mobile apps.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/online-help
Not consider yourself a Carer? Scroll down a bit and look under "Who is a Carer?".
A great place to start for support and services:
Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services.
The Gateway also offers practical resources for carers on how to care and how to cope while caring:
The gateway will operate alongside of current organisations that are providing services and support to carers. Carers can expect information about programmes and interfaces with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care and the health sector, as well as information about eligibility and advice on other actions carers may find helpful to sustain them in their caring role. Most helpfully, there is a map which gives the Exact location of a particular service and their details. You can search in Your Own area, or you can help your family in other locations by entering in their postcode to give a list of relevant services available in their area.
You are looking at things like:
Identification of Carers as people may not always formally identify as Carers, may care for more than one person, or share care with other carers. You might not think of yourself as a carer. In truth many carers see themselves as a family member who looks after a person they love, not as a carer. This means that you may not think to look for, or ask for help. There are a wide range of services available to help you in your caring role. Whatever the service, whether it’s short-term respite or counselling, it is designed to lend you the support and assistance you may need. It’s things like having some extra help and support that may mean you can stay in your caring role for longer.
Who is a carer?
A carer is a person who provides regular and ongoing care and assistance to a dependent person. Often, a carer is a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who freely and willingly provides this support without payment.
A carer may give care for a few hours a week or all day every day, depending on the level of support needed. Care could be provided within the person’s home, a residential aged care home or at your home.
Australian Carer Payment eligibility requirements
https://www.finder.com.au/australian-carer-payment-eligibility-requirements Last updated: 29 September 2020
Carer Payment provides income support for Australians who provide full-time care for another person. It’s important to note that when applying for Carer Payment, both the carer and the person receiving care must satisfy certain eligibility criteria.
The carer must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for payment:
How do I submit a claim if I think I'm eligible?
If you satisfy the eligibility requirements for Carer Payment, you can claim payment by following the process below:
If your circumstances change while you are receiving Carer Payment, you will need to notify the Department of Human Services. Examples of relevant changes include when:
Failure to notify the Department of Human Services of any changes within 14 days could lead to you being overpaid and having to pay those benefits back in future. It’s always vital to report any income that you and your partner earn to the Department of Human Services. This includes details of your hourly pay rate and the number of hours you have worked during each reporting period. Even if your income for the period is zero, you still need to report it to the Department.
https://www.mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au/
Mental Health Carers Australia
National Helpline 1300 554 660
Mental Health Carer Support
https://www.mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au/mental-health-carers/mental-health-carer-support/
What is a Mental Health Carer?
A mental health carer is a person who:
Mental Health Carers Australia is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of the needs of mental health carers.
https://www.mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au/
The Role of the Carer:
In addition to being the “silent care coordinators,” unpaid family caregivers directly provide most long-term services and supports needed by persons with chronic illnesses and functional limitations, as well as much direct nursing care.
They know the strengths and weaknesses of patients and caregivers in chronic care management; accompany patients to physician visits and serve as facilitators of patient physician communication; are “walking medical records” in emergencies and provide care continuity across settings.
They manage behavioral problems; spot early warning signs of symptom changes and medication errors and interactions; are gatekeepers who help decide when and which clinician to call, and when to seek emergency care.
They identify patient needs for community-based services as well as medical equipment and assistive devices/technology; are advocates for patients with physicians and other health professionals, and in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, with home health agencies, and in nursing homes. They monitor costs and deal with insurance claims and denials, and help to express patient goals and preferences for care.
With many thanks for their insights into the Actual Role of Caregivers in the ongoing health and care of the person they care for.
Speak with other Carers - who will share their hard-won day-to-day knowledge...
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-resources/caring-for-yourself/
Angels Carer Support Group. Held the last Tuesday of each month at St. Paul's Anglican Church Hall, 69 Palm Beach Ave, PALM BEACH. Come just after 1.00pm for that cuppa and a chat. Often we have Speakers on subjects of interest to us as Carers - they start about 1.00pm and go to about 3.00pm. Other times we just sit, relax and enjoy each other's company and support each other as we face the daily caregiving tasks. Sit and chat, and take a brief break - for YOU :-) We hold our meetings on the last Tuesday of each month. Father Phillip is a Great Supporter of the Angels.
YOU are most welcome to join us :-) Do take CARE of YOU too...
and to find out what else is going on in the Palm Beach area: http://palmbeachgoldcoast.net.au/events/
Connecting with other carers
One way to help cope with the challenges or isolation you might feel as a carer is to join a carer support group. There are general groups and specific ones catering for carers of people with particular illnesses, injuries, disabilities or chronic conditions.
Why join a carer support group?
If you feel isolated or need help coping, joining a carer support group might be a good option. What is spoken about in each group is confidential so you can feel comfortable to discuss personal situations.
Being part of a group can help you feel understood. The right group can give you practical and emotional support and let you share experiences. It can be good to talk to people who have shared similar experiences. Joining a group may also help you to:
Some groups also advocate for the rights of carers and people with specific conditions or disabilities.
Groups are free and often meet regularly, usually in a member’s house or public place ie. a coffee shop, or in a community hall or hospital setting.
General or specific carer groups
You can join a general support group that caters for all carers. These are available across the country.
Another option is to join one that is specific to your situation. For example, there are special groups for parents, grandparents or young carers.
Some groups cater for just men or women or carers from a particular language, religious or cultural background. There are also carer groups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Other groups are aimed at carers looking after people with particular illnesses or disabilities, such as brain injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or autis
13 April 2022
Carer Gateway Counselling Service.
Caring for a loved one is important work. Some days caring brings great joy, but some days it can be lonely or a little overwhelming. No matter how you feel today, there is a counselling professional just a phone call away.
The Carer Gateway Counselling Service is a free service for carers. Each weekday, from 8am to 6pm, our professional counsellors are waiting to talk through the concerns you have and how you feel about your carer role. To learn more about how counselling helps carers, watch their video “Introducing the Carer Gateway Counselling Service” on https://counselling.carergateway.gov.au/s/
To use the Carer Gateway Counselling Service, simply select ‘Request a Callback’, fill in your details and they will call you back within one business day. You can also call 1800 422 737 and Select Option 1 to speak to our team.
If you are distressed and need immediate support, please select the ‘Urgent Help’ tab for details of 24 hour crisis services.
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First anniversary of service dedicated to support 2.7 million unpaid carers
06 April 2021
Carer Gateway celebrates its one-year anniversary on 6 April, marking twelve months since the introduction of the Australian Government funded support service providing dedicated carer services to Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers.
With 1 in 8 Australians caring for a family member or friend who needs support due to disability, age, mental ill health, or long-term physical illness, Carer Gateway has been available to over 700,000 carers in Queensland and the New South Wales Regions of South West Sydney and Nepean Blue mountains seeking specialist carer-focused services including counselling, peer support, carer support planning and carer directed support packages, as well as emergency respite services.
Over the past twelve months, Wellways Carer Gateway has established shopfronts, service outlets and a flexible workforce to achieve service coverage across urban, regional and rural Queensland and New South Wales.
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Carer Gateway phone line:
You can call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm, to speak to a Carer Gateway service provider. They will talk with you to understand your needs and provide the support and services to assist you in your caring role, including:
- carer support planning
- in-person and phone-based counselling and peer support
- targeted financial support through carer directed support packages, including supporting participation in employment, education, planned respite, and assistance with items such as transport or cleaning
- information and advice
- access to emergency respite (available to access 24/7)
- assistance with navigating relevant, local services available to carers through federal, state and local government and non-government providers, including My Aged Care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and palliative care.
Note: Assistance to access Emergency Respite is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week by calling 1800 422 737.
https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/210513_Budget-Document_Updated..pdf
The main focus of the 2021-22 Federal Budget, delivered on 11 May 2021, was aged care and the extent to which Ministers have embedded carers into aged care reform. This includes a significant investment in residential respite subsidies to benefit up to 67,000 families each year, $134.9 million to boost the Commonwealth Home Support Programme respite services for an additional 8,400 clients, and $60.1 million investment to improve respite for dementia carers, along with training for residential facilities to implement respite care plans for dementia care respite models. Increasing funding for respite options for older Australians is a step toward redressing the current gaps in the system for both carers and those they care for, where carers will be able to take a break knowing that their loved one is looked after.
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New in-person coaching service for carers
If you provide care and support to a family member or friend, you will soon be able to access a new in-person coaching service through Carer Gateway.
Launching at the end of July, 2021, this new service gives carers the opportunity to work one-on-one with a coach who supports you towards improving your overall wellbeing. You can work out what you want to change in your life and how to make it happen.
Carers who were part of a pilot program for the service reported that the in-person coaching helped with their sense of empowerment, and taught them new strategies to put into place to support their own wellbeing in their caring role.
Carers can find out more about the coaching service and other support services by calling Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and selecting option 1 to speak with their local service provider, or visit the Carer Gateway website.
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Carer Gateway - for YOU!
Carer Gateway provides practical information and advice and connects Carers with local supports. To register for Carer Gateway call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au
Getting help through Carer Gateway
Carers can get a wide range of help – from counselling and peer support groups to respite care, home help and equipment.
- How can I get help?
- How to access Carer Gateway services
- What support is available?
- Who can use Carer Gateway?
- What's changed?
- What if I already use a service?
- Who are the Carer Gateway service providers?
- Carer Gateway makes it easier for you to find help. It's a great idea to talk with Carer Gateway staff to see what services and support are available in your area.
How can I get Help?
When you call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, you will reach a Carer Gateway service provider in your area. A trained worker will be available to talk with you and then help you to find services and support to meet your needs.
Carer services are available through a new Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers.
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is a national support service funded by the Australian Government. It provides FREE SUPPORT for Carers through a network of regional Carer Gateway service providers.
Wellways Australia is the chosen service provider of Carer Gateway services throughout Queensland and New South Wales regions of South West Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains.
Who can access Carer Gateway?
If you support a family member or friend who has a disability, mental health condition, chronic health condition, terminal illness, or is frail aged, you can access free supports via Carer Gateway.
You don't need to be a new carer to use Carer Gateway services - any carer can use the services at any time in their caring journey.
What services are available for Carers?
Carer Gateway gives you access to a range of free services and supports to help you when you are caring for someone else, these include:
- Carer directed support Practical assistance to ensure you have access to the resources you need when caring for someone, such as items to assist in your caring role and short-term respite.
- Carer support planning There are a lots of great support services out there and it can feel overwhelming figuring out the best fit for your needs. We can help by identifying the kinds of services which might be most useful and work with you to develop a simple plan for ongoing support.
- Counselling If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, you can talk it through in a series of one-on-one sessions with a professional counsellor.
- In-person peer support Get together with other carers to catch up, make connections and share stories, knowledge and experience.
- Emergency respite care If something urgent or unforeseen happens that prevents you from being able to be there for the person you support, we can make sure the person you care for will be looked after.
- Online support Carers can also access online counselling, carer forums and self-guided coaching sessions via carergateway.gov.au
COVID-19 uPDATE: With the current climate it is more important than ever that you have access to carer supports. Some services have been modified to limit face-to-face contact.
How to access Care Gateway
Our Carer Gateway team is available 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
To register for services, call 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au for more information.
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NEW: Disability Gateway
The Federal Government has funded the Disability Gateway as the national disability information service. Started 27th January, we suggest you access the Disability Gateway, available on 1800 643 787 or at https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
Welcome to the Disability Gateway
The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia. Watch welcome video
Disability e-news The Department of Social Services provides a regular newsletter with information for people with disability and carer sectors. Read the latest edition of the Disability e-news
19 January 2021
Late in 2020, we shared information about the improvements we are making to the NDIS.
You can see the commitments we have made to improve the NDIS in our Service Charter and Participant Improvement Plan, and you can track our progress against them on Participant Service Improvement Plan page.
We want to make sure you get the most up to date information about the improvements as they happen. The best way to do this is by signing up to the NDIS eNewsletter, which comes out each fortnight.
The NDIS eNewsletter is full of the latest news, participant stories and I address some of the common questions and misconceptions I hear about with what is happening with the NDIS.
Sign up for the NDIS eNewsletter today.
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available. In January 2021 the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started in January 2021 and include a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
What is the Disability Gateway?
The Disability Gateway will:
- improve the navigation to access relevant information and services
- span multiple sectors including health, housing, employment, transport and everyday living
- exist as a central point of entry for referrals to disability information, services and programs
Who is the Disability Gateway for?
The Disability Gateway is for all people with disability, their families and carers.
Questions and Answers:
Who is eligible to call the 1800-phone number?
- Anyone can call the Disability Gateway. The Disability Gateway service has been created for people with disability, their families and carers to use to have direct access to information and other services. The Disability Gateway is for all Australians with disability, whether they are a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant or not.
- The Disability Gateway seeks to improve access to information about disability services and supports that is currently difficult to navigate using several search methods. For example, the Disability Gateway will assist people with disability to find a local advocacy service, disability related events and disability service providers.
The Disability Gateway is a three-year project to deliver a multi-channelled service for people with disability, their friends, family and carers. The Disability Gateway is a way for people to navigate complex disability service system and will help people find out about support and services they may be able to access.
The Australian Government’s aim is to ensure people with disability, their families and carers receive the most effective, accessible and people-centred service available.
This month the new National Disability Information Gateway (the Disability Gateway) pilot website went live. It includes information on services and supports available to all people with disability in Australia, even if they aren’t an NDIS participant.
The full Disability Gateway Service started January 2021 and includes a website and dedicated 1800‑phone number to connect people with disability, their families and carers, to information and services.
The tender to engage a supplier to establish and operate the full Disability Gateway Service was also published this month on AusTender.
Help us test the Gateway: We are looking for feedback to improve and enhance the Disability Gateway pilot website—we encourage you to log on and explore the site. Feedback buttons are located at the top and bottom right hand sides at Disability Gateway.
You can directly provide your feedback to the Disability Gateway Team at [email protected]
Is the Disability Gateway website finished?
The Disability Gateway site is still being developed and refined ahead of the Ministerial launch scheduled for May 2021 when a national television and press campaign will also commence.
More information
For more information go to Disability Gateway or view our stakeholder kit.
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RESPITE - URGENT OR JUST FOR THAT BREAK
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre - Elanora Phone 24/7
Blue Care, Elanora House 1 Pines Lane, Elanora QLD 4221
Phone 1800 052 222
Phone 24/7 1800 059 059
Website https://www.bluecare.org.au/
Address: 23 Main St, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 1800 052 222
Residential respite care can be used on a planned or emergency basis to help with carer stress, illness, holidays or if the carer is unavailable for any reason.
Can have up to 63 days of respite care in a financial year, with the possibility of extensions of 21 days at a time if an ACAT considers this necessary.
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General community services assist you to stay at home and remain independent.
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/general-community-services
Wellways, offers a range of services, including shopping, domestic assistance, personal care, transport and general nursing. Generally these services are funded by a government or aged care package, though some people choose to pay for the services themselves.
Services generally last from one to two hours and may take place on several days during the week or, in some cases, seven days per week. Services include meal preparation, personal care and domestic assistance.
Wellways recognises that having carers come into your home can be awkward so we strive to provide consistent carers and roster staff of your choice. Community services are always by appointment to ensure that your home life is disrupted as little as possible.
For more information, please contact us on 1300 111 400.
Home and personal care services assist you to stay at home and remain independent.
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-and-personal-care-services
Wellways offers a range of services which include shopping, domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, transport and general nursing.
Services generally last from one to two hours and may take place on several days during the week or, in some cases, seven days per week.
Our personal care services can assist older people with their daily living activities which may include:
- assistance with showering, dressing and grooming
- continence care (bowel care)
- assistance with mobility and exercise
- transporting to medical and dental appointments
- accompanying to recreational and social outings
- respite care
- meal preparation
- grocery shopping
- light housekeeping
- laundry service and ironing
- pet/plant care
- companionship
Wellways recognises that having carers come into your home can be awkward so we strive to provide consistent carers and roster staff of your choice.
Community services are always by appointment to ensure that your home life is disrupted as little as possible.
For more information, please contact Wellways on 1300 363 898
Home Respite Services - that Essential break... for YOU :-)
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-respite-services
In-home respite provides a carer to support you in your own home while your family member or regular carer is taking a break.
Wellways, offers a range of services, including meal preparation, personal care and domestic assistance from one hour up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The advantage of having in-home respite services is that you remain in your own home in familiar surroundings. Wellways staff are very respectful and will always ensure you feel comfortable in your home.
Funding for in-home respite is available from local governmental agencies, or you can choose to pay for the services.
For more information, please contact us on 1300 111 500.
In-Home Nursing Services
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-nursing-services
Wellways, can provide professional nursing staff to help you manage your health and medical needs at home.
Our services include:
- catheter care
- personal care including bathing, grooming and dressing
- mobility assistance
- simple and complex wound care and dressings
- skin and pressure care
- diabetic care and monitoring including blood sugar levels
- bladder and bowel care
- stoma care
- tracheostomy care
- assistance with oxygen therapy
- enteral/ peg feeding
- joint movements
- eye and ear care
- monitoring of medications
- liaison with general practitioner
- support on returning home from hospital
- transport to appointments
- assistance with feeding
- sleepovers and 24-hour care
- special one-on-one nurses provided to care for you or your relatives in hospital as an extra nurse
In-Home End-of-Life care
https://www.wellways.org/our-services/home-end-life-care
Wellways works with you, your General Practitioner and other healthcare professionals to provide comfort and support to you, your family and friends as you near the end of your life’s journey.
If you choose to stay at home surrounded by your loved ones, we can arrange services and supports to meet your personal and medical needs with kindness and compassion. Our services include:
- home help
- personal care
- nursing care
- pain management
- liaison with the GP and other services
- TLC and emotional support
- respite support for care givers
The NDIS and you
Wellways is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania provider offering mental health and disability support and services. We have the knowledge to assist you in the NDIS eligibility and planning processes, together with the expertise to coordinate your NDIS plan and deliver the services you need.
Contact us https://www.wellways.org/yourndis#contact or call our peer led support and referral service Helpline on 1300 111 500 to speak to our staff about your needs.
NDIS Registration Number: 4050000184
Wellways services can be purchased through NDIS funding.
Wellways offers both Core and Capacity Building supports and we will help you get the most out of your NDIS plan. We are experienced in support coordination and support connection, as we have local knowledge and strong links to the community.
The supports we offer include:
- assistance with day to day activities, such as household tasks, meal preparation, light housekeeping and grocery shopping
- transport to and from activities, appointments and meetings
- assistance to connect and participate in the community, getting out and about and catching up with friends
- transport
- travel training
- support to learn new skills, at home or in the community
- assistance with personal care such as showering, dressing and medication
- case management, support coordination and clinical support services
If you are eligible for the NDIS we can provide you with the best services and supports for your needs. https://www.wellways.org/our-services
Support for carers from other agencies
The Carer Skills courses provide information, insights and practical tips to help carers develop new understanding and skills important in their caring role.
Each free online self-paced learning modules takes approximately 20–40 minutes to complete and you can download your responses to questions in the module to use as a resource and reminder.
Explore our Carer Skills courses to help improve your health and wellbeing.
Department of Social Services (DSS)
DSS provide information and links to a range of services available locally and across Australia, including services for people with a disability and those who provide care. Centres can assist carers with options to take a break through short-term and emergency respite, based on assessed need, and provide advice on and coordinate access to respite services in a carer’s local area.
You can find more information on the DSS website about these topics:
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services.
You can find more information on the Carer Gateway website
Print Resources Different people have different needs for information at different times during an illness. Patients will also have different needs from their carers. To support these different needs the following list of resources has been compiled based around topics relevant to patients and their carers. The source of the information is included, note that some information is from outside Australia.
https://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/tabid/1262/Default.aspx#BGL
Informal Caregiving and Its Impact on Health: A Reappraisal From Population-Based Studies
Our country is in the early stages of an unprecedented explosion in the number of older adults who will be living at home with physical disabilities or serious cognitive impairments. The need to provide adequate care to these vulnerable older adults is a major challenge facing our society on many levels. The assumption of our current health care system is that close family members will provide the majority of day-to-day assistance and manage the wide array of problems that confront these older adults with disabilities. However, most health care delivery models focus primarily on individual patients and do not properly engage, educate, or support family caregivers or other informal care providers.
Spousal Caregivers Are Caregiving Alone In The Last Years Of Life
June 2019
We hypothesized that spouses who were solo caregivers—that is, the only caregivers (paid or unpaid) who provided assistance with a spouse’s self-care or household activities—would experience more depression after bereavement than supported spouses would. Using information from the Health and Retirement Study, we found that 55 percent of the spouses of community-dwelling married people with disability were solo caregivers. Solo caregiving was even common among people who cared for spouses with dementia and those with adult children living close by. Bereavement outcomes did not differ between solo and supported caregiving spouses. Caregiving spouses are often isolated and may benefit from greater support, particularly during the final years before bereavement.
What a Carer 'Actually' DOES:
Carer self-assessment checklist:
As a Carer, there are a number of things to consider to make sure both you and the person you care for remain as healthy as possible, both physically and emotionally.
By doing a carer needs assessment and self-assessing your own situation, you will better know what resources you may need to draw on in the future.
A good place to start for a self-assessment is to note down how many hours you spend each week helping, supervising or prompting the person you care for with, for example:
- mobility (moving around the house, turning someone during the night)
- personal hygiene (bathing, dressing, using the toilet)
- eating and drinking (making sure they eat and drink, preparing food)
- communication and social participation (organizing social activities, help with communicating their needs to you or others)
- health and treatment (giving medicine, therapeutic exercises)
- safety (checking water temperature, making sure someone does not injure themselves or others)
- behaviour (supervising and understanding why people act the way they do).
Knowing how much time you spend on these home care activities will also help you when you are assessed for Government carer support services.
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Do you need a break from your caring role? This is called Respite Care
and may include:
- someone coming to your home to look after the person you care for
- day outings and activities for the person you care for (these often include a transport service)
- overnight care for the person you care for
- short stays in aged care homes (they will need an ACAT Assessment). NOTE: Residential respite cannot be purchased with funds from your Home Care Package. Planned respite should already be built in to the support plan (emergency respite will still be available through Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres) 1800 059 059.
- short-term stay in a nursing home to give YOU a break :-) to visit your parents, attend a friend's wedding, or just chill out! for awhile...
- https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/search/respite-care/broadbeach-waters-qld
- just scroll down for Respite Vacancies - NOW! - A sort of 'try-before-you-buy' option! After all, this will possibly be "Their Home" now. Suggestion: Let them dip their toe in the water and try respite care for awhile. Let's them suss out the place without having to commit to a long-term permanent placement. You can make an adventure of it, suggesting they try this... and then that... and of course, report back to you as to how it all went, gripes and all. This has the added advantage that you get the 'inside knowledge' of what the place is Actually Like!
- And of course, now that the Residential Care Home you have used for Respite care can now apply to be a Home Care provider in their own right, YOU can have a chat with them and ask, "Can you be my loved one's Home Care Provider?"
It may be something they have not thought about before BUT, if you bring it up, they may take a serious look at entering into this expanding marketplace.
And do remember that FALLS Do constitute a Great Risk for our loved ones. What to do?
Good info for you to use and share, print out: https://joscelin.weebly.com/contacts-to-go-to-for-help.html
Keep informed
It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources. You can access more information from:
24/7 healthdirect hotline
Contact type: Service
Telephone: 1800 022 222
Website: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
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Need more Services...
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Search all our content for trusted health information including resources from our information partners.
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Australian Government website
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- Office locations
Wellways - https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus
NDIS website
Carers - who are separated from their care receivers due to cornonavirus, you can use 63 respite days without your payments stopping. If you run out of respite days, you can call the Carers line on 132 717.
01 March 2021
and R E L A X with the Sandbag Technique...
There IS Help for Carers in their role...
Do click on here to find out our latest happenings Angels Carer Support Group. Held the last Tuesday of each month at St. Paul's Anglican Church Hall, 69 Palm Beach Ave, PALM BEACH
Come just after 1.00pm for that cuppa and a chat. Often we have Speakers on subjects of interest to us as Carers - they start about 1.00pm and go to about 3.00pm. Other times we just sit, relax and enjoy each other's company and support each other as we face the daily caregiving tasks. Sit and chat, and take a brief break - for YOU :-) We hold our meetings on the last Tuesday of the month. Father Phillip is a Great Supporter of the Angels.
YOU are most welcome to join us :-) Do take CARE of YOU too...
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Since 6 April 2020, the new Australia-wide network of regional Carer Gateway service providers give carers access to:
- Carer support and planning
- in-person and phone-based coaching, counselling and in person peer support
- information and advice
- targeted financial support packages with a focus on employment, education, respite and transport
- access to emergency crisis support
- assistance with navigating relevant, local services available to carers through federal, state and local government and non-government providers, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care and palliative care.
“These services give carers access to a range of supports to help reduce stress, build resilience and cope with daily challenges,” Minister Ruston said.
“For example, if a carer is looking to get back into the workforce, they can access a financial support package to go towards their education or training.
“Under previous arrangements, each year we provided support to carers on 130,000 occasions but under the new model this will increase to about 700,000. This is an unprecedented growth in the availability of services for carers.”
Planning for emergencies
Add to read later
Emergencies can happen anytime. If you are a carer, planning for emergencies will help you to cope even when things go wrong.
How to say, "No". The Most Difficult Word for a Carer - any Carer...
YOU do not have to do this all by Yourself. There IS help. The first thing to do is 'Just Ask'. Call 1800 422 737. It's OK. It's Not your fault.
Sometimes it 'Just IS'. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
The carer coaching service provides an opportunity for you to explore the impacts of your caring role on your life.
Designed in partnership with carers, each coaching session will get you thinking about:
- how you are going,
- how you’d like things to be and
- how you might be able to take steps towards making that happen.
Each session includes evidence supported information, practical tips, resources, reflection activities and stories from real Australian carers.There are eight coaching sessions available.
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As you may have been aware, the Commonwealth Government made a commitment to deliver a National Carer Gateway as part of an Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services.
https://www.carergateway.gov.au/respite/how-get
EMERGENCY RESPITE
Who is eligible for emergency respite?
Emergency respite care may be available to anyone who cares for a loved one, family member or friend in their home who:
- has a disability
- has a mental illness
- has a chronic condition
- is frail aged.
There are many different situations where emergency respite care might be available, including:
- the death of a family member or close friend
- if you or another dependent family member are ill or injured
- an urgent situation that makes it difficult for you to fulfil your role as a carer.
How does emergency respite work?
The form of respite varies with the time, level and type of care needed:
- For a few hours, or overnight, in-home or centre-based respite may be best.
- For several days or more, respite away from home may be possible.
Assessment for emergency respite
RESPITE - URGENT OR JUST FOR THAT BREAK
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre - Elanora Phone 24/7
Blue Care, Elanora House 1 Pines Lane, Elanora QLD 4221
Phone 1800 052 222
Phone 24/7 1800 059 059
Website https://www.bluecare.org.au/
Address: 23 Main St, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 1800 052 222
Residential respite care can be used on a planned or emergency basis to help with carer stress, illness, holidays or if the carer is unavailable for any reason.
Can have up to 63 days of respite care in a financial year, with the possibility of extensions of 21 days at a time if an ACAT considers this necessary.
Call your nearest Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, Elanora on 1800 052 222 (1800 059 059 outside business hours). They will help you to access the services that might be most suitable for your situation.
While emergency respite aims to give you the support you need as soon as possible, you may still have to provide some information to make sure the right type of care can be provided.
YOU do not have to do this all by Yourself. There IS help. The first thing to do is 'Just Ask'. Call 1800 422 737. It's OK. It's Not your fault.
Sometimes it 'Just IS'. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
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The individual’s coping style to psychosocial stress impacts the stress-induced pathological changes and the risk of psychological disorders such as depression.
For an in-depth understanding of Mental Health topics - A - Z.
Download booklet beyondblue’s 'A guide to what works for anxiety'
7 Carer Coping Skills and Planning tips for those Special Occasions
Those Special Occasions/Celebrations are a challenging time for Carers, for many it can be overwhelming, stressful with mixed emotions such as anxiety, love and sadness. Some family members that you don’t often see may find it difficult to understand the complexities of a mental illness, which could lead to loved ones feeling rejected.
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“Older People Face A Future Without Family Members Being Able To Care For Them”
Australia’s population is ageing. The number of age-related illnesses, such as dementia, are also on the rise – for example, 250 new cases of dementia are diagnosed every day.
More than 3.5 million Australians (roughly one in every seven people) are aged over 65 and more than half of these live with a disability.
Already 26.8% of older Australians live alone. And these numbers are only set to rise as the population ages.
8 August 2018
10 Surprising Rewards of Caregiving
The sometimes overlooked benefits of the role:
by Dave Singleton, Health Journalist
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/family-caregivers/#the-surprising-benefits-of-being-a-caregiver
“As caregivers experience the realities of daily life for the person they care for, they may be better prepared than others to consider and plan for their own wishes as they age.”
Ultimately, caregiving becomes as much about you as it does about the person in your care. “Seeing the person you are caring for smile when you come into a room, or relax when you brush their hair, makes you, as the caregiver, feel like you are making a difference,” says Smetanka. “And isn't that what many of us want? To make a difference?”
To find out how the National Carer Gateway 'actually' works - http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/carer-gateway-service-finder
When you go into the National Carer Gateway there is list of options -
How the service types are broken down into easily recognisable categories: http://healthdirect.gov.au/carer-gateway-service-finder-categories
Up comes a list of options, and who can help in your preferred location. You can then click on their website or phone them for any extra information.
Counselling
- Generalist counselling
- Health counselling
- Telephone counselling
- Drug and/or alcohol counselling (only applies to counselling for people with drug/alcohol issue)
- Respite care
- Aged care residential respite low care
- Aged care residential respite high care
- Personal care for older persons
- Aged residential care
- Mental health residential rehabilitation/community care unit
- Disability supported accommodation
- Non-residential alcohol and/or drug dependence treatment
- Residential alcohol and/or drug dependence treatment
- Delivered meals
- Food relief/food/meals
- Assist prod - household task
- Home care/housekeeping Assistance
- Home maintenance and repair
- Aged care transport
- Air ambulance
- Ambulance
- Community bus
- Disability care transport
- Home maintenance and repair
- Home modification
- Acquired brain injury information/referral
- Adolescent mental health services
- Adult mental health services
- Aged care assessment service
- Aged care information/referral
- Carer support
- Chronic disease management
- Chronic pain service
- Diabetes educator
- Disability advocacy
- Disability information/referral
- Drug and/or alcohol information/referral
- Mental health advocacy
- Mental health information/referral
- Pain management service
- Pharmacotherapy (e.g. methadone) program
- Telephone counselling
- Cancer support groups
- Carer support
- Chronic pain service
- Disability day programs & activities
- Drug and/or alcohol support groups
- General mental health services
- One on one support/mentoring/coaching
- Physical activity group
- Physical activity programs
- Planned activity groups
- Social support
- Support groups
- Early childhood intervention
- Early childhood supports
The implementation of the Carer Gateway is a nationally identifiable place for all carers to go for information, regardless of who they care for, to access support and referral to services. This is delivered through an online platform (including website and service finder) complete with a national contact centre.
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An additional fortnightly payment if you give daily care to someone who has a disability, serious illness, or is frail aged.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/carer-allowance
Eligibility basics
- you give extra care to someone who has a disability or severe illness or is frail aged
- their care needs score high enough on the ADAT or DCLAD
- they will have these needs for at least 12 months or the rest of their life
- you meet an income test
Guides to help you use myGov, Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support accounts and Express Plus mobile apps.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/online-help
Not consider yourself a Carer? Scroll down a bit and look under "Who is a Carer?".
A great place to start for support and services:
Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services.
- Am I a carer?
- Planning for an emergency situation
- Connecting with other carers
- Payments for carers
- Health and wellbeing
The Gateway also offers practical resources for carers on how to care and how to cope while caring:
The gateway will operate alongside of current organisations that are providing services and support to carers. Carers can expect information about programmes and interfaces with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care and the health sector, as well as information about eligibility and advice on other actions carers may find helpful to sustain them in their caring role. Most helpfully, there is a map which gives the Exact location of a particular service and their details. You can search in Your Own area, or you can help your family in other locations by entering in their postcode to give a list of relevant services available in their area.
You are looking at things like:
- Counselling - for YOU :-)
- Respite - in and out of the home
- Help at home - meals
- Help at home - cleaning, gardening, maintenance
- Help at home - transport
- Home modifications/Safety in the house
- Information/Advocacy services/Help lines
- Social/Support groups
- Early Child Intervention
Identification of Carers as people may not always formally identify as Carers, may care for more than one person, or share care with other carers. You might not think of yourself as a carer. In truth many carers see themselves as a family member who looks after a person they love, not as a carer. This means that you may not think to look for, or ask for help. There are a wide range of services available to help you in your caring role. Whatever the service, whether it’s short-term respite or counselling, it is designed to lend you the support and assistance you may need. It’s things like having some extra help and support that may mean you can stay in your caring role for longer.
Who is a carer?
A carer is a person who provides regular and ongoing care and assistance to a dependent person. Often, a carer is a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who freely and willingly provides this support without payment.
A carer may give care for a few hours a week or all day every day, depending on the level of support needed. Care could be provided within the person’s home, a residential aged care home or at your home.
- This includes All Carers e.g. a child who cares for/is involved in caring for, a sibling or an adult parent or relative – they will be helped to have flexible learning and exams… to take account of their Caring role.
- A young Carer up to 25 years of age who needs flexibility to finish schooling; and who then needs help and training to get that job. They will be helped all along the way.
- The Carer who looks after someone who is on the NDIS will be supported to learn those practical physical skills that are needed to look after their person. They will also be helped to attain their education and employment training.
- Support Carers of children and young people, who are at risk of developing a mental illness. Services will include counselling, support to attend school and to improve relationships with family and friends.
- Parents caring for their child beyond their usual parenting role.
- An adult caring for other adults - who are looking after a frail, elderly person or their spouse or partner; an adult son or daughter caring for elderly parents; or a neighbour providing ongoing support; will be supported to train, and enter into the workforce.
- Support for those Carers who look after someone who falls outside of the scope of reforms to disability, mental health, aged care and health services.
- Those Carers who are in remote or outback areas where there are less opportunities to work and participate in everyday activities.
- Support for when the Carers caring role changes e.g. when they temporarily move out of caring and when their role ends.
- Improved respite and information services for Carers of people who have a severe or profound disability in need of supported accommodation or respite and who may have ageing Carers.
- Provide specific opportunities for Carers to have fun, to socialize and relax.
- Carers to learn how to cope and manage Stress. Making Carers a priority in the Access to Allied Psychological Services program which enables general practitioners to refer patients to allied health professionals for psychological services.
- Caring can also lead to the loss of social networks and social isolation. It is important for everyone to provide opportunities and supports for Carers to participate in family, community and social life.
- Locally-based peer support groups a priority.
Australian Carer Payment eligibility requirements
https://www.finder.com.au/australian-carer-payment-eligibility-requirements Last updated: 29 September 2020
Carer Payment provides income support for Australians who provide full-time care for another person. It’s important to note that when applying for Carer Payment, both the carer and the person receiving care must satisfy certain eligibility criteria.
The carer must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for payment:
- They must constantly provide personal in-home care to someone who is disabled, suffers from a medical condition or is frail aged
- They must satisfy an income test. Under the income test, any financial assets in your name are deemed to earn income. The income you earn will affect the Carer Payment amount you are eligible to receive. For example, if you are single and your income reaches or exceeds $1,868.60 per fortnight, you will not be eligible for any payment. If you are a couple and your fortnightly income passes the $2,860 mark, the amount you are eligible to receive reduces to $0. For transitional rate pensioners who are in a couple, their combined fortnightly income cannot exceed $3,191 if they are to receive financial support.
- They must satisfy an assets test. Assets that are taken into account include real estate assets, life interests, financial investments, superannuation investments, income streams, business assets and assets you gift to other people. For single homeowners, their assets must be less than $202,000 to receive a full payment.
- They must be living in Australia and they must meet residence requirements.
How do I submit a claim if I think I'm eligible?
If you satisfy the eligibility requirements for Carer Payment, you can claim payment by following the process below:
- Register your intent to claim
- Read all the conditions for claiming Carer Payment
- Complete the claim form available from the Department of Human Services
- Gather any other documentation required to support your claim
- Submit your claim
- Your claim will be assessed by the Department of Human Services
If your circumstances change while you are receiving Carer Payment, you will need to notify the Department of Human Services. Examples of relevant changes include when:
- Your care arrangements change
- The person you care for goes into respite care or hospital, or perhaps requires less care
- The child you are caring for is no longer your dependent
- You change your address
- Your income, assets or investments change in any way
Failure to notify the Department of Human Services of any changes within 14 days could lead to you being overpaid and having to pay those benefits back in future. It’s always vital to report any income that you and your partner earn to the Department of Human Services. This includes details of your hourly pay rate and the number of hours you have worked during each reporting period. Even if your income for the period is zero, you still need to report it to the Department.
https://www.mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au/
Mental Health Carers Australia
National Helpline 1300 554 660
Mental Health Carer Support
https://www.mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au/mental-health-carers/mental-health-carer-support/
What is a Mental Health Carer?
A mental health carer is a person who:
- Is a family member of friend who plays a vital role in supporting a person with mental illness.
- Provides emotional and practical support helping a person living with mental illness.
- May not even think of themselves as a 'carer'. They have found themselves in this role because they see it as part of their relationship with the person who is affected.
- May be a parent of someone with a mental illness, or an adult caring for a partner, parent or friend. A child who looks after a family member with a mental illness, such as a parent, can also be a carer.
- May not necessarily live with the person they care for.
Mental Health Carers Australia is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of the needs of mental health carers.
https://www.mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au/
The Role of the Carer:
In addition to being the “silent care coordinators,” unpaid family caregivers directly provide most long-term services and supports needed by persons with chronic illnesses and functional limitations, as well as much direct nursing care.
They know the strengths and weaknesses of patients and caregivers in chronic care management; accompany patients to physician visits and serve as facilitators of patient physician communication; are “walking medical records” in emergencies and provide care continuity across settings.
They manage behavioral problems; spot early warning signs of symptom changes and medication errors and interactions; are gatekeepers who help decide when and which clinician to call, and when to seek emergency care.
They identify patient needs for community-based services as well as medical equipment and assistive devices/technology; are advocates for patients with physicians and other health professionals, and in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, with home health agencies, and in nursing homes. They monitor costs and deal with insurance claims and denials, and help to express patient goals and preferences for care.
With many thanks for their insights into the Actual Role of Caregivers in the ongoing health and care of the person they care for.
Speak with other Carers - who will share their hard-won day-to-day knowledge...
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-resources/caring-for-yourself/
Angels Carer Support Group. Held the last Tuesday of each month at St. Paul's Anglican Church Hall, 69 Palm Beach Ave, PALM BEACH. Come just after 1.00pm for that cuppa and a chat. Often we have Speakers on subjects of interest to us as Carers - they start about 1.00pm and go to about 3.00pm. Other times we just sit, relax and enjoy each other's company and support each other as we face the daily caregiving tasks. Sit and chat, and take a brief break - for YOU :-) We hold our meetings on the last Tuesday of each month. Father Phillip is a Great Supporter of the Angels.
YOU are most welcome to join us :-) Do take CARE of YOU too...
and to find out what else is going on in the Palm Beach area: http://palmbeachgoldcoast.net.au/events/
Connecting with other carers
One way to help cope with the challenges or isolation you might feel as a carer is to join a carer support group. There are general groups and specific ones catering for carers of people with particular illnesses, injuries, disabilities or chronic conditions.
Why join a carer support group?
If you feel isolated or need help coping, joining a carer support group might be a good option. What is spoken about in each group is confidential so you can feel comfortable to discuss personal situations.
Being part of a group can help you feel understood. The right group can give you practical and emotional support and let you share experiences. It can be good to talk to people who have shared similar experiences. Joining a group may also help you to:
- discover new information
- go to education or training workshops
- join in activities
- go on relaxing outings.
Some groups also advocate for the rights of carers and people with specific conditions or disabilities.
Groups are free and often meet regularly, usually in a member’s house or public place ie. a coffee shop, or in a community hall or hospital setting.
General or specific carer groups
You can join a general support group that caters for all carers. These are available across the country.
Another option is to join one that is specific to your situation. For example, there are special groups for parents, grandparents or young carers.
Some groups cater for just men or women or carers from a particular language, religious or cultural background. There are also carer groups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Other groups are aimed at carers looking after people with particular illnesses or disabilities, such as brain injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or autis
13 April 2022