Do you have a spouse, family member or friend who helps care for you at home?
At Catholic Healthcare, we recognise the extremely important role loved ones play in supporting your daily care needs. During this uncertain time, with some day centres closed and opportunities to participate in your usual activities limited, it’s important to also care for the carer.
“It’s important carers take time out for themselves to rest and recharge,” says Phillipa Garside, one of Catholic Healthcare’s qualified Home Care social workers (pictured above).
“Catholic Healthcare provides in-home respite care so dedicated carers can leave their loved ones at home confident in the knowledge that clients are being supported and looked after properly.
“Respite allows carers to take time out, do some shopping, meet up with friends or just spend time doing an activity they love.
“Alternatively, our Care Workers can take clients out for a couple of hours to give carers a break at home. Clients can be taken to a local café, go on a short drive to the beach, or to a favourite local landmark.
“In my experience, it’s often the little things which can make a big difference. A couple of hours away driving to a special place, getting out and about, and giving carers a break can mean so much for one’s mental, physical and emotional health.
“Catholic Healthcare is here to support our Home Care clients, as well as family and friends who look after loved ones.”
If you would like to arrange respite care for yourself and your carer, please talk to your Care Advisor or call 1800 225 474.
Carers can also access help and support from the Government’s Carer Gateway website. Here, carers can find practical tips and guidance, phone counselling services, an online carer forum, and self-guided coaching and skills courses for support, skills and information. To access the Gateway go to https://www.carergateway.gov.au/