Carer resources and services
Carer resources and services include carer payments, respite care and counselling.
Carer payments are available for people who provide care at home for someone with a severe disability, medical condition or who is frail and aged. There is an income and assets test. Centrelink can provide advice on carer’s payments.
Respite care is a short term care provided in your home, or for longer periods in an aged care home. It can be planned or arranged in an emergency if needed. If you are a carer, consider planning regular respite to give yourself time to get things done and to recharge your batteries.
Counselling is also available for carers. Staff in these services understand the ups and downs of caring, and know about practical ways to make caring the best experience it can be. Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres can provide advice on respite and counselling services.
Local stroke support groups can be a great way to meet other carers of stroke survivors. Carers groups and events provide an opportunity to find out about local services, and connect with carers and hear about their experiences and strategies.
A carer emergency plan provides peace of mind in case you need help with care in an emergency. It helps you record contact details, as well as health and care information that will make things easier in a crisis. You can find the carer emergency plan template below.
- carer payments
- respite care
- counselling.
Carer payments
Centrelink can give you payments if you care for someone.
The amount you get will depend on your income and assets.
Respite care
Respite care is when someone else looks after your loved one.
This means you can take a break.
For short breaks, someone can come to your home.
For longer breaks, your loved one can be looked after in an aged care home.
Respite care can be planned.
It can also be used in an emergency.
Regular respite care helps you get things done, like the shopping.
It can also help you relax and do something for yourself.
Counselling
You can talk to a counsellor.
Counsellors know what you’re going through.
They can help you make it easier.
You can also join a stroke support group. You will meet other carers.
Carer emergency plan
Have a plan for what you will do if there’s an emergency.
Write down contact details for everyone who can help.
If there’s a crisis, you don’t have to waste time.
You will know who to call, and what to do.
