It’s so important to get the support you need to provide the care they need. And it’s key to remember that you are not in this alone. Even though caregiving can feel lonely and isolated, there are many supports that you can tap into to make the task a little easier.
We are fortunate to live in a country where there is funding and services available for those who need it – you just need to know who to ask and where to look. Here is a list of some of the support channels available across Australia to help you get started.
If there is something specific you need that isn’t listed here, please contact us (link to ‘contact’) and we would be pleased to help you.
Attendant Care Program. Provides portable, flexible and individualised support for people requiring care.
Attendant Care Industry Association. Represents and supports service providers to deliver quality attendant care for the benefit of people with disability or those with complex or long-term care needs living in the community.
Brain Injury Association of NSW. The peak advocacy organisation for people affected by acquired brain injury in NSW – including people with acquired brain injury, family members, friends, professionals, and the broader community.
Carer Gateway. The Carer Gateway website is all about meeting your needs as a carer.An Australian Government initiative, this website offers information on practical help accessible through the federal government.
Carers Australia. Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level.” They have a huge number of resources on the website and are always worth checking out whether they can help you or have resources that address your particular challenge.
Carers NSW. The peak non-government organisation for carers in NSW, part of the National Carer Network and a member of Carers Australia. The local go-to for carers in NSW and ACT, they have training, resources, services and support you can access on their website.
Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care. (ADHC) Provides services and support to older people, people with a disability, and their families and carers in NSW.
Department of Health. About the Home Care Packages Program that provides support to older people with complex needs to help them stay at home.“If you are caring for ageing family members, you can find information about the program and how it works here.
DisabilityCare Australia. DisabilityCare Australia is the national disability insurance scheme – a new way of providing community linking and individualised support for people with permanent disabilities.
DSS Disability and Carers. A Department of Social Services web page dedicated to carers programs, services, and payments.
Icare (Lifetime Care and Support Authority of NSW). Provides treatment, rehabilitation and attendant care services to people severely injured in motor accidents in NSW, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Mental Health Carers Australia. The only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of mental health carer needs. If you are caring for someone with mental health needs and require support for yourself, this organisation is the place to talk to.
Mental Health Carers. Mental Health Carers Australia is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of mental health carer needs.” If you are caring for someone with mental health issues and need support for yourself, this organisation is the peak body in Australia to talk to.
Motor Accidents Authority of NSW. A statutory corporation that regulates the NSW Motor Accidents Scheme
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). A government funded initiative that will support choice for people with disability, their families and carers, and put people in control of the care and support they receive, based on need.
NSW Government Carers Support. An official government resource for unpaid carers in NSW
SANE AUSTRALIA. They are a charity that deals with mental health. They have a forum for family and friends of people living with mental health challenges. This provides an opportunity to talk to people that may be going through similar difficulties who can offer tips on how they managed.
Services Australia. Payments and services if you provide care for someone with a severe disability, illness or a frail and aged adult.” If you are looking for financial assistance as a carer, head to this page that will help you find available assistance.
The Violet Initiative. Violet provides free services, programs and resources to anyone in the community who is caring for someone in the last stage of their life (in either an informal or formal role) to help them be better prepared and supported on their journey.” Support is available for anyone caring for a person end-of-life or who is in a frail condition.
