Topic Tuesday// Caring For The Carer// Tues 29th November 2022 7-8:30PM AEDT

[amber22]

Hey @Shaz51 ! It's so great to have you with us tonight, thanks so much for joining. That is so lovely that you are caring for your mum, and for your husband (even if he doesn't admit to you being his carer!) 🙂 

[Karen17]

Hi @outlander 
I'm having internet troubles.  Please just give me a tick while I reboot.  Terribly sorry

[Karen17]

Sorry @Shaz51 ,

just getting used to this technology - I did have a practice!
What you're experiencing with your husband is common, particularly when caring for someone with complex mental health issues.  

Are you getting support services to help you in  your caring role? 

[Shaz51]

No @Karen17 , my husband had stopped all help altogether 

I find my support and encouragement here from the sane forum but that is all I have 

I looked after my mum until October when the doctor says she needs high care which I could not provide any more 

[TideisTurning]

Our next question for @Karen17: What services and/or supports are available for carers?

[Shaz51]

@clh1 , @M15 

[amber22]

@Shaz51 That warms my heart that you find great support from SANE forums. We love having you on here! 

[Karen17]

Sounds like you really supported your Mum as long as was possible.  Well done you.  Now that you're Mum is in high care, I imagine you haven't stopped supporting her.  
And just because your husband doesn't recognise you as a carer I bet  you are still caring for him. 
There are government supports available that you are eligible to receive and I would really encourage you to apply.  I am going to post a list of the types of supports and where to find them in a separate post so stand by...

[Karen17]

Carers can receive support from government and other organisations to help them in their caring role.  The type of support varies but some of them include:

• Respite - where a support worker comes into your home or takes the person you care for out so you can have a break
• Financial help with doing something for yourself
• Counselling
• Social activities and Support Groups
• Emergency respite
• Short term help with emergency costs
• Help to find or keep a job or education
• Carer Allowance or Carer Payment – centrelink payments

The key services I’d recommend registering with are:

• Carer Gateway - https://www.carergateway.gov.au
• Services Australia/Centrelink - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/caring-for-someone
• Carers Victoria benefits page - https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/benefits  SOME MAY BE FOR VICTORIANS ONLY BUT THERE SHOULD BE EQUI...
• Carers Victoria membership (free) - https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/
• Tandem - https://www.tandemcarers.org.au/

[Shaz51]

Thank you  @Karen17 

Yes seeing mum 3 times a week in hospital 

And being there for my husband