My Carers Journey

I’m a Carer for my mum in Sydney, Australia.  I didn’t plan on being a carer. Most people don’t. I just fell into it. You may too.  My aim with this mini-blog is to share some of my caring experiences and tips with anyone who manages to stumble upon this and cross my fingers that info here can help others on their caring journey.

[carer101]

Information and support for carers is available. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, keep trying. Keep looking. Keep asking. Never stop asking, the answers will come. Sometimes it can take a little looking but by getting the ball rolling, you will find there is so much to help you and you may not always find the answers first go. . . . Photo by @pgreen1983 on Unsplash #carer101 #carerblog #carerlife #carerjourney #staycurious #keeplearning #ask #carersnsw #carersaustralia #carergateway

[carer101]

Aisle side seats + companion card = great night with unobscured views of this legend! 🎹✨🎶 #companioncard #accessibleconcerts #lionelritchie #carer101 #carerblog #carersaustralia #carersnsw #carerlife

[carer101]

“I’m a Carer” As unpaid carers we can seem invisible in society and it can be so easy to slip into a feeling of being undervalued. Being a carer takes strength, tenacity and determination. ‘Carer’ is an important role our society can’t do without! #selfvalue #carervalue #carer101 #carerlife #carerjourney #carersupport #carersaustralia #carerblog #carerallowance #carerpayment

[carer101]

Can the human element be replaced?

[carer101]

Technology makes day to day tasks easier but being HUMAN makes us stakeholders in the crazy journey that is life 🤖 #carer101 #robotcarers #technologyincare #careinnovation #humanity #carerblog #carersnsw #carersvictoria #carersqld #carersaustralia

[carer101]

Sometimes being a carer is tough but that’s life - you’ve got to move forward, continue to work hard and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish 🏆#winning #carer101 #carerblog #carerslife #carerjourney #carersnsw #carersaustralia #ndis #agedcare

[carer101]

Getting out and about can be a challenge and even costly. Get the Companion Card which allows the companion of one who needs attendant care a free ticket on public transport and into venues and events. Yes, FREE! #carer101 #carerblog #carerlife #companioncard #carersaustralia

[carer101]

Companion Card

Getting out and about can be a challenge and even costly. Luckily the state government has something called the Companion Card which allows the companion of someone who needs attendant care a free ticket on public transport and into venues and events. Yes, FREE! You do pay for the person with a disability so relevant concessions (such as senior discount, aged or disability pension) also apply.

The card is accepted by thousands of locations across the state. At first the card seemed too good to be true but Mum and I have now been all over Sydney - to the opera, theatre, movies, exhibitions, even the Easter Show!

When buying or booking a ticket you need to present the card. If ordering tickets by phone, have the card handy as you are usually required to provide the card number.

The card is issued to people who can demonstrate that they would not be able to participate at most venues and activities without a companion, and that this need is life-long. A Companion Card cannot be issued if the applicant may become independent in the future as a result of treatment or management, training, recovery or developmental improvements. A Companion Card can only be issued when an ongoing need for a companion can be demonstrated.

http://www.nswcompanioncard.org.au/

http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/

[carer101]

The New Year is a great opportunity to reconnect and recalibrate yourself. Being a carer especially in the holidays can be hectic. Don’t forget to make time for you 💙 #carer101 #carersnsw #carerblog #agedcare #youngcarers #carersaustralia #recalibrate #reconnect #postholidayblues #newyear #metime

[carer101]

For some being a carer means there’s a whole new world to navigate. With lots to learn, where do you start? #carer101 #carer #carerblog #carerslife #carersaustralia

[carer101]

Petrol Money

I was pleased to discover that there is government support and initiatives in place to specifically assist carers. One such financial support is via Centrelink who are able to assist with a Carer Allowance and a Carer Payment. I was tipped off on the Carer Allowance when I was very new to being a carer. The allowance is non-means tested and relatively simple to apply for. At a maximum of approx $124 a fortnight it’s not life changing but every little bit helps. I suppose I like to think of it as petrol money for the excursions and appointments I take my mum to.

The Carer Payment is income support. It is means tested but I decided it wasn’t suitable for my situation however it may suit you so do check it out.

Each payment needs to be managed however I’ve found that this is minimal, at least in my case with the Carer Allowance. Some points that are useful to know are that you are allowed up to 63 days per calendar year for respite as well as up to 63 additional days if the person you care for is admitted to hospital. Management also includes changes of circumstance such as moving house or the level of care you provide. Just remember to contact Centrelink each time to advise.

Head to The Department of Human Services (i.e. Centrelink) for full details on eligibility, payment rates, management and application. If you want to contact them, try email, or call early in the morning when they open, otherwise you’re likely to be in the cue for about an hour!

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-allowance

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-payment

[carer101]

Learning to Care

For some being a carer comes naturally. For others there’s a whole new world to navigate. If you’re like me you might be somewhere in between.

It was a bit daunting navigating the "system" but by daring to look, listen and ask, I've discovered there's a lot of assistance available. There are loads of organisations and support groups. You may be a young carer, male carer, carer for someone with dementia and more. There is information and support available. It does take a little looking but by getting the ball rolling, you will find there is so much to help you.

I’m based in Sydney. A stunningly beautiful city with a lots to offer. I count myself as being lucky to be here and to use being a carer as a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore beyond my own doorstep. The city is becoming more and more aware of the need to cater to all and in recognising this life becomes gradually a little easier physically and financially.

Sometimes it’s not just about which services are available. A carers journey is also about how you cope. It’s tests and builds your resilience which is a super transferable skill for many aspects of life. There are loads of support such as peer groups and counselling. Also just talking to people honestly about my experiences has opened up so many more doors than I would have ever previously thought. The reality is we do live in a big community where it can be seen as intrusive to ask personal questions but given an in, most people want to help.

More to come but to start, here are some links to organisations which have helped me out.

http://yournorthside.org.au/

http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/

https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

[carer101]

About Me

I’m a Carer for my mum in Sydney, Australia.  I didn’t plan on being a carer.  Most people don’t.  I just fell into it. You may too.

There’s lots to learn and understand. I’ve had an interesting life before me and still a lifetime to go. I see this carer role as a midway point and look to see what the future may bring.

My aim with this mini-blog is to share some of my caring experiences and tips with anyone who manages to stumble upon this and cross my fingers that info here can help others on their caring journey.