Carers are usually family members who provide unpaid support to children or adults who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged. Carers can be parents, partners, brothers, sisters, friends or children. Some carers are eligible for government income support while others are employed or have a private income.
Caring is a rewarding experience, but it can also be very demanding. Sometimes carers also need help and support.

Each care situation is unique. Some carers need to assist with tasks of daily living, and spend their days feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring or administering medications. Others care for people who are fairly independent but need supervision or help with their finances and transport. Carers also provide emotional support day in and day out for some of the most vulnerable, isolated members of our community.

The National Carer Counselling Program (NCCP) provides counselling and related emotional and psychological support services for carers, in order to reduce carer stress, improve carer coping skills and facilitate continuation of the caring role. Short-term counselling is available from qualified counsellors on issues that are specific to carers’ needs. In South Australia this service is provided through Carers SA, tel. 1800 242 636. Carers SA also provides the Care Advisory Service in South Australia.

Carers Week is a time to acknowledge the work of Carers and to recognise the contributions they make to the community. Carers Week also provides an opportunity for carers to get together throughout Australia to share experiences and to celebrate.

Contact Carers SA for dates for Carers Week – visit the website or tel. 1800 242 636.

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services. Tel 1800 422 737

The Department of Human Services administers the SA Carers Recognition Act 2005 and aims to improve the focus and response of government to the issues of carers. It works alongside other Government departments to implement the Carers Recognition Act.

Beyond Blue Guide for Carers

Beyond Blue have created a guide which offers helpful advice and tips about caring for others and caring for yourself.  Click here to download a copy.

Carer Resource Guide by Southern Services Reform Group

The Carer Resource Guide has been developed by the Southern Services Reform Group Co-Production Workgroup to provide information on caring for someone with memory loss or dementia and the various phases of the caring journey.  The Guide was developed because Carers and service providers identified a need and came together to complete a guide which will support other carers who are in similar situations. The beautiful artwork was created to symbolise and express the carer journey.

You can access the resource guide at https://www.ssrg.org.au/sites/default/files/carer_resource_guide_may_2019.pdf

You can view the Expressing the Carer Journey Through Art video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkbyxDZRjZs&feature=youtu.be