Carer Gateway offers practical, emotional and financial support for families caring for a loved one.
Our team work with families to make sure everyone receives the support they need.
“I’m currently working with a mother, son and daughter,” says Carer Gateway team member, Alannah.*
“The mother was initially referred to the program, but after meeting the family I encouraged the daughter and son to also register for Carer Gateway.
“Their husband and father recently had a stroke, which has left him physically and mentally impaired.
“When I first met the family, they had all stopped working, were very stressed and had started to fall apart as a family unit.
“They were all taking turns in the carer role. They were concerned about their ability to care for him due to challenging behaviours and their lack of understanding about his needs.
“It got to a point where the family were considering permanent residential care for their loved one, which was really upsetting given he was a healthy man only weeks earlier.
“We were able to provide in-home care and respite services for the family.
“They received funding for equipment to help care for their loved one at home
“The children were referred to a young carers’ program to connect with peers who also care for a loved one.
“Counselling services were also offered to the family.
“I recently did a review with the mother.
“She has had a tremendous turn-around from my first phone call with her.
“She is now very positive, feels confident in her role as a carer and how to best manage her husband’s behaviours.
“She is much better at taking time for herself, practicing self-care and prioritising her own needs when she can.
“She now accesses carer payments and has the equipment needed to keep her husbane at home.
“The children have returned to work, studying and are getting back to a more normal lifestyle.”
To find out more about Carer Gateway, visit Carer Gateway.
*This is a true story about real people. Some details such as names have been changed to respect the wishes of the people featured. The photo accompanying this story is for illustrative purposes only. It is not a photo of the people featured in this story.
