Are you a carer?
People often don’t perceive themselves as being a ‘carer’ when they voluntarily support a relative or friend. If you provide daily support to a person without being paid, such as doing their shopping, paying bills, assisting with showering, making meals, providing transport, because they are unable to complete the tasks themselves, you are a ‘family carer’.
Equally, if the person you care for is unsafe when left alone for long periods of time, and/or has been diagnosed with dementia or a severe disability, you are their family carer.
If the person you support is frail or over the age of 65, the Australian Government recognises you as a family carer, and you are entitled to an array of support for your own health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of the person you care for.