Support for carers starts with you 

Understanding the help available for carers 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are around three million ‘informal carers’ in Australia. 

If you regularly help a family member, friend, neighbour or loved one because of disability, illness, mental health challenges, frailty, ageing, alcohol or substance dependency, you may be a carer. 

Many people, however, don’t use that name for themselves, especially if they’re caring for a family member. They see it as their duty to help. But even though caring comes from a place of love and responsibility, it can still be demanding, often both physically and emotionally.  

Once you recognise yourself as a carer, it doesn’t mean that your relationship with the person you care for changes. It just means that you can start to recognise the toll it can have on you, and you may realise that support is also available for you. 

What is caring?

Caring can take many forms and can look different depending on the person, their needs and situation. It could be helping with: 

• personal care; 

• meals; 

• transport; 

• appointments; 

• medication reminders; 

• housework;  

• emotional support; 

• advocacy;  

• paperwork/life admin; or  

• being the person ‘on call’ when needed. 

Caring can start slowly with a little help here or there, but can increase in responsibilities. It can be hard to notice the creep in load until you’re struggling to keep up. 

Needing support 

If you’re feeling constantly tired, losing patience, becoming isolated, or feeling guilty when taking time out for yourself, it may be time to seek out some support of your own. You may notice your own self-care slipping, your friendships becoming harder to maintain or a feeling of overwhelm.  

These aren’t signs of weakness – they’re signals your caring load may be too much. 

Caring isn’t meant to cost your wellbeing. That’s why support for carers counts. 

When you’re supported early, you’re able to rest, plan, and manage stress better. If you’re taking better care of yourself, the person who you care for benefits from a healthier, more energised support person. It’s win-win! 

Types of carer support

Respite can give you a breather from constant support duties, while someone else takes on the caring load for a little while. It may be a few hours, a day or even more, depending on your situation and what services are available. 

Emergency respite can also be an option if something unexpected happens and you can’t continue caring for a short time. 

Other support may include counselling, coaching, peer support, or help navigating services. Carers WA is a key starting point for carer supports in Western Australia. It offers a range of supports for carers, from practical to advocacy and more.  

At Avivo, we offer a range of events for mental health carers. If this is you, check out our events and training to support you in your caring journey. Sometimes, just a few hours to decompress and chat with like-minded people is all you need to feel refreshed and ready to go again. 

Looking after your own wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with small actions, such as a healthy meal, a walk in nature, a chat with a friend, and keeping up with your own medical and wellbeing appointments.  

Think about what time out means to you. What would help refill your cup? Now, schedule it regularly and make sure you take that break.

You deserve it. 

Support for carers starts with you acknowledging that your needs are real. You shouldn’t wait until you’re exhausted, angry, or unwell before asking for help. It’s not selfish to need help – it’s one of the most practical and caring things you can do for yourself and the person you’re caring for.  

If you need to chat about what help is available for carers, contact Avivo – we’re here to help.

You’re never alone.

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