Who is carer

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Carers, caring and respite care services. Home Carers, caring and respite care services. Role of a carer. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Unpaid carers Deciding to become a carer Supporting carers and the people they care for Where to get help.

Deciding to become a carer Taking on a care role can be a big commitment. When deciding if you are willing to become a carer it might help to consider the following: How much care does the person need? Will it be only for a few hours a day or all day and night? Could someone else help including formal and informal respite? How can you support the person to keep on doing the things they love at home or in their local community?

Who else could help? What kind of care does the person need? Do they only need help with a few tasks such as laundry, meals and taking their medicines or do they need more basic needs met such as help with dressing, eating, showering and going to the toilet? Are you able to provide the support they need? Can you afford it? Taking on a care role might mean cutting back or giving up employment.

Many carers go unidentified until many years into their caring role and the majority struggle alone unaware that help is available to them. Families affected by illness or disability are facing tough times at the moment and it has never been more important that they know their rights.

Facing their own additional challenges are BAME carers. The short films below show carers talking about their day-to-day lives in their community languages. They are in Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi and Urdu. See facts and figures about caring.

South Gloucestershire Council is writing a new strategy for unpaid carers. In Queensland, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about , people - or Whether you are a carer for a few hours a week or all day every day, caring for a relative, friend or neighbour can take its toll.

Ask yourself the following questions. Home Community support Support for carers Who is a carer? Print Who is a carer? The Carers Recognition Act defines a carer as: "An individual who provides, in a non-contractual and unpaid capacity, ongoing care or assistance to another person who, because of disability, frailty, chronic illness or pain, requires assistance with everyday tasks. Help for carers Whether you are a carer for a few hours a week or all day every day, caring for a relative, friend or neighbour can take its toll.

Is your situation out of control? Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused or shocked by your situation?