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Carer Information
What is a Carer?
A carer is someone who helps and supports a family member or
friend who needs assistance. This may be a frail older person, an
adult or child with a disability, a person with a chronic or mental
illness or someone recovering after a long illness or accident.
Carers are common in families affected by genetic
conditions.
Being a carer can impact upon many parts of a person's life, and
often additional support can be required. Sometimes it can be hard
to know where to start.
Carer's Victoria have compiled some facts about carers, including the challenges
and the rewards.
Where Can I Get Help?
Carer's Victoria
Carer's Victoria provide a range of
services and support for all family carers. For information
about what services they can provide, take a look at their brochure, or call their Carer Advisory
Line on 1800 242 636.
Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Intake and Response Service provides
information about supports and services and can also provide
assistance with planning and short-term support to people with
disabilities, their families and carers in their local area. They
can be contacted on 1800 783 783.
Centrelink
Centrelink can also be contacted for
information and access to entitlements including Carers Allowance,
Carer Payment or Sickness and Disability Benefits. Phone 13
27 17.
Department of Health
The Department of Health also have a range
of fact sheets that can be accessed on their website,
including Taking Care of Yourself, and Loss and Grief.
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink
Centre provide free and confidential information on
support services available locally, interstate or anywhere around
Australia and can be contacted on 1800 052
222.