Carer Kimberley and her mother Helen celebrating Helen's 83rd birthday.
Support worker Sharon, client Helen and support worker Dawn celebrate Helen's 83rd birthday.
“You don’t have to choose between caring for a loved one and still having a life,” said small business owner, Kimberley, who put her life and work aside when her mother’s dementia worsened.
This National Carers Week (13-19 October) Centacare is raising awareness about the services and support available to carers, encouraging them to reach out for help.
Like many of Australia’s 3 million carers, Kimberley found it challenging to navigate the delicate balance of caring for her loved one and maintaining a sense of normalcy in her own life.
“I felt so much guilt,” said the 53-year-old wellbeing coach. “Mum needed full-time care and I wanted to take on this role, but I was losing myself and my business in the process.”
Providing unpaid care for a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged, carers are an integral part of Australia’s health system and are the foundation of our aged, disability, palliative and community care systems.
Everything changed for Kimberley when she learned about the services and support she could access with Queensland Health Dementia Respite (QHDR) funding. This funding complements Helen’s Veterans’ Home Care funding and allows Kimberley to balance her carer responsibilities with her career.
Carer Kimberley and her mother Helen celebrating Helen's 83rd birthday.
Support worker Sharon, client Helen and support worker Dawn celebrate Helen's 83rd birthday.
The funding provides in-home respite care for Helen as well as centre respite at one of Centacare’s social and community hubs in Hervey Bay. Helen attends the hub nine days per fortnight, which provides her with enriching activities and experiences suited to her needs and interests while Kimberley regains time and energy to focus on her work.
Reflecting on her journey, Kimberley is grateful for the difference that support from Centacare has made and encourages other carers to reach out for help.
“I was reluctant to ask for help at first but accessing support has been life-changing for both of us,” said Kimberley. “Centacare developed a care plan for us that’s flexible and tailored to our needs and circumstances.
“The care she receives at the hub, surrounded by like-minded people, has helped her thrive in an environment where she feels at home. It’s not just abouhaving someone look after her—it’s about knowing she’s engaged, happy, and well-supported while I can focus on my business.
“There’s help out there—I strongly encourage other carers to reach out too, as it provides so much comfort and peace of mind for the client and the carer.”
Extra support is available
While caring for someone you love who has dementia can be rewarding, it can also be tough going, impacting your social connections, physical and mental health. We can support you in your caring role, and give you a break, confident that the person you love is in an environment where they feel comfortable, supported by someone who cares about them.
QHDR funding can be accessed in addition to funded support you or the person you care for may receive through the Commonwealth Home Support Program or a Home Care package. The application process for QHDR is straightforward and we can help you to access more support, quickly.
Please call your Service Leader or our call centre on 1300 236 822 to find out more.
Find out more about services offered through Carers Queensland.