MANY carers see themselves as a family member or friend who looks after a person they love, not as a carer. For this reason, they may not think to look for or ask for help.
If you are providing ongoing care and support to a family member, a partner or friend without being paid, then you are a carer and entitled to access support assistance from a range of Government and other relative organisations.
As a carer, you may provide care for just a few hours, or days a week or every single day, depending on the level of support you are giving.
Carer Gateway, has been designed to support you in your role as a carer, with information available 24/7 both online via the website, www.carergateway.gov.au or over the phone. You can call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm, to speak to a Carer Gateway service provider.
Respite services and referrals are also available via Carer Gateway, and accessible to carers across Victoria through the Support for Carers Program, to find out more about respite in your area call 1800 514 845.
