Many carers see themselves as a family member or friend who looks after a person they love, not as a carer. This means that they may not think to look – or ask – for help.
In this section, you can learn about the resources available to help you and the person you care for.
On this page
Caring for someone
If you’re providing a family member, partner or friend with regular and ongoing care and help, without being paid, you are a carer. You can get help and support from the government and other organisations.
A carer may give care for a few hours a week or all day, every day, depending on the level of support needed. Care can be received:
- in the older person’s home
- in a residential aged care home
- in your home.
Everyone’s care needs are different. There are many resources, services and support groups available when caring for someone with a particular need or in a particular situation such as dementia, incontinence, disability or the end of life.
- Caring for someone at home
- Caring for someone in an aged care home
- Caring for someone at the end of their life
- Caring for someone with a chronic disease
- Caring for someone with a disability
- Caring for someone with a mental health condition
- Caring for someone living with dementia
- Caring for someone with hearing, vision and oral health difficulties
- Caring for someone with incontinence
Support for you as a carer
Most people end up in caring roles without any training and are simply trying to do their best for their loved one.
As a carer, you’ll often put the needs of the person you care for before your own needs. It’s very important that you look after your own mental, emotional and physical health so you can provide better care for longer.
Carer Gateway provides in-person, phone and online services and support nationally to help you in your caring role.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway service providers help carers access a range of free services and support just for carers. These services can be accessed in person, over the phone or online through this website. They include free:
- services or equipment to help with your education–for example, tutoring, educational supplies or training courses
- planned respite, where a service provider steps in to take care of your family member or friend while you take a break
- cooking and cleaning services
- assistance with shopping
- transport, to help you do things like go to medical appointments or do shopping.
Call 1800 422 737 to find out if you are eligible to access services offered Carer Gateway service providers across Australia.
You’re not alone – talk to other carers or a counsellor
- Join an in-person peer support group. Meet with others in your local area who also care for a family member or friend.
- Join an online community forum. Take part in online written discussions to engage with other people who also care for a family member or friend.
- Speak to a counsellor for free. If you feel stressed, sad or frustrated, it may help to speak with a counsellor to discuss your situation. They can provide strategies to help you work through your emotions.
Free training for carers
The Carer skills courses provide information, insights and practical tips to help carers develop new understanding and skills important in their caring role.
Access free online self-paced learning modules that can help improve your health and wellbeing. Or you can access the Self-guided Coaching Service to explore how your caring role affects different areas of 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.