Support for Carers

Support for Carers of Elderly Loved Ones

Being a family carer is one of the most important and rewarding roles you’ll ever take on—but it can also bring emotional strain, physical exhaustion and financial pressure. At Silver Lifestyle, we honour every carer’s dedication. This page is your essential guide to understanding your rights, accessing support, balancing daily life, and thriving as you care for a mum, dad, partner or friend.

Understanding the Carer Role

As a family carer, you may be helping with personal care, transport, housework, bill payments, navigating health services, and emotional support. Carers come in all shapes and sizes: adult children juggling work and raising a family, spouses providing full-time care, or friends supporting neighbours or community members.

Recognising the extent of your responsibilities is the first step in getting support that fits your life.

Why Carer Support Matters

• Reducing burnout: Respite and support help you maintain your own health and wellbeing.
• Improving quality of care: When carers are supported, those they care for often do better.
• Financial security: Many carers need help managing income loss and expenses.
• Emotional resilience: Talking to others in similar roles reduces isolation.

Types of Carer Support and Services

Respite Care

Short breaks are vital. Respite can be provided at home, in day centres, or through overnight residential care—allowing you to rest or attend to your own needs.

Financial Assistance

• Carer Payment: Income support for carers unable to work full-time.
• Carer Allowance: Supplementary payment for carers providing additional daily care.
• Pension Loans Scheme: Optional government loan using home equity to improve cash flow while providing care.

Training and Education

Many councils and aged-care providers offer free workshops on safe lifting, communication strategies, managing stress, and condition-specific care.

Counselling and Peer Support

Online forums, telephone hotlines, or in-person carer support groups offer practical and emotional support from others who understand the role firsthand.

Information and Advocacy Services

• Carer Gateway: Government portal for carers offering links to services and counselling.
• OPAN: Advocacy, financial advice, and help with aged care access.

Carer Self-Care: Your Wellbeing Matters

Caring for someone else often means neglecting your own needs. Small daily rituals can make a big difference:

• Schedule daily breaks—even 15 minutes of quiet helps.
• Stay active—gentle walks or online chair yoga assist mood and energy.
• Eat well and stay hydrated.
• Keep regular health appointments with your GP.
• Seek mental health support when needed—carer fatigue is real.

Navigating My Aged Care and Accessing Services

To access support like respite or home care for your loved one—or yourself—start with a My Aged Care assessment. This assessment determines your loved one’s eligibility and the level of support needed. You can also register as a carer and signal for carer-support services.

Legal and Financial Planning as a Carer

• Have legal documents like Enduring Power of Attorney in place early.
• Be wary of gifting assets too early—it may affect means‑tested benefits.
• Keep records of care-related expenses—they may qualify as deductions or help in financial planning.

Balancing Work, Family and Carer Responsibilities

Carers often juggle multiple roles. To help:

• Check your workplace options—many employers offer flexible hours or carer’s leave.
• Build a care team—family, friends, volunteers or paid workers.
• Prioritise tasks; let go of perfection—meal services, grocery delivery, or simple routines help reduce load.

Spotlight: Dementia Carers

If you're caring for someone with dementia, the demands are unique—memory loss, behavioural changes, confusion, decline in daily skills. Support is available including:

• Dementia Support Australia helpline and online services.
• Carer support groups specifically for dementia.
• Respite grants and programs under Carer Gateway.
• Online courses on managing symptoms, communication, and safety.

Supporting Carers Caring For Loved Ones in Residential Aged Care

Leaving home can be an emotional transition. Your role shifts to advocate, planner, companion, and visitor.

• Attend care-plan meetings and voice preferences.
• Visit regularly and maintain routines.
• Continue using respite options if you still provide daytime support.

Wardrobe of Carer FAQs

Can I access respite before an eligibility assessment?

Yes—interim respite may be available while My Aged Care processes the assessment.

Does Carer Payment affect my pension entitlements?

Yes conditional. It's income support; receiving it may affect your standard pension or allowances.

Is carer support means-tested?

Access to many services is based on eligibility assessments; services may be contributed or fee-based depending on assets or income.

Helpful Resources Across Australia

• Carer Gateway: www.carergateway.gov.au
• Dementia Support Australia: www.dementiasupport.gov.au
• OPAN: olderpersonsadvocacy.org.au
• Local council support directories for councils that run carer cafés or groups.
• Local libraries and community centres offer free tech tutoring and support for older carers.

Tips to Help You Thrive

• Plan regular breaks—respite is part of the care system, not optional.
• Speak up—ask for help, support or leave if you’re overwhelmed.
• Keep social connections alive—coffee with friends, phone catchups or support groups.
• Invest in your health—your wellbeing supports the person you care for.
• Accept help. It's a sign of strength and love to delegate when possible.

Stories From Carers

"I used to feel I had to do it all alone—but when I joined a local carer support group, I learnt practical tips, realised I wasn’t alone, and felt supported again." – Sarah, 63

"Small respite visits made a huge difference—I had the energy to keep caring longer."—Tom, 72

Final Thoughts

Supporting an elderly loved one is a profound act of care, commitment, and endurance. Whether you are new to the role or years into the journey, knowing your supports, rights, and self-care strategies matters.

At Silver Lifestyle, we aim to equip carers with practical tools, empathy, and confidence. You are not alone—and there is help to lighten your load.

You deserve support. They deserve your dedication. Together, let’s make caring feel manageable, meaningful—and sustainable.