Carer Resources
Changes to Aged Care in Australia booklet
An updated booklet for older people, their carers and families who want to learn more about the changes to Aged Care is available. Download here.
In this booklet you can find out how to access aged care, read about the latest changes to aged care and learn how to have your say.
Access My Health Record information on your mobile via the my health app
my health app has been developed to help consumers and their carers engage with and be proactive in managing their health and is available to download from iOS and Android app stores. It provides easy access to key health information in your My Health Record. For more information
Free Palliative Care information sessions for community groups
Palliative Care Victoria offers free information sessions for community groups on Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning. The sessions run for 60 minutes and can be run with an interpreter if required. A facilitator will travel to a location that is convenient for your group. Download flyer.
Launch of Compassionate Communities Australia
Watch the Compassionate Communities Australia (CCA) launch event held at WA Government House. Speakers included CCA Chair, Professor Samar Aoun and Directors, Dr Stephen Ginsborg, Dr Jo Doran and Harpreet Kalsi-Smith. Note: You may need to turn on closed captions to follow speeches.
Caring for Someone with Cancer booklet
The Cancer Council's updated Caring for Someone with Cancer booklet provides helpful information including practical and emotional support.
Resources for carers of people living with dementia
Dementia Australia has a range of online education sessions and in-person events across Australia for people caring for or supporting someone living with all forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal dementia and younger onset dementia.
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS): Reducing the cost of buying continence products
CAPS is an Australian Government program that provides a payment to people with permanent and severe incontinence to help with some of the costs of buying continence products. You can apply online through MyGov or the Express Medicare mobile app. If applying on behalf of someone else, you should use the paper form. The Continence Foundation of Australia has a list that can help you choose products that may be best for you.
Discounted hotel stays for carers
Carer's Victoria has partnered with Accor to provide discounts on hotel stays at their Victorian properties. The discounts are subject to availability and exclusive to Carers Victoria members. Valid until 30 December 2024.
Setting up for at-home palliative care
CareSearch lists practical things to consider, specialised equipment that may be needed or changes in the home with links to useful resources.
Financial Support for Carers
Services Australia has produced a video providing information about the financial support you may be entitled to through the Australian Government. To check your eligibility and get information on each payment visit Services Australia.
The Australian Carers Guide has published Carer Payments Explained which lists the types and amounts of carer payments available and eligibility requirements.
Talking End of Life with people with intellectual disability
A CareSearch resource designed for those supporting someone with an intellectual disability to have conversations about death, grief and loss.
Young Carers Connect
Young Carers Connect (YCC) provides a safe online space for young carers aged 12 to 25 years to connect, find support and engage with peers. With an opportunity to share stories, play games and have a laugh. Register here.
Dignified and Respectful Decisions resource
Palliative Care Victoria have launched their new Dignified and Respectful Decisions resource as part of the Comprehensive Palliative Care in Aged Care Measure. It is designed to support family members who are caring for a loved one in residential aged care.
New Information for LGBTQI+ Communities
The Cancer Council have updated and improved the LGBTQI+ Communities section of their website which provides a wide range of helpful information tailored to LGBTQI+ people affected by cancer and their carers.
Here for you: Things you might like to discuss with your palliative care team booklets
When your child is diagnosed you may have many questions or concerns when you meet the palliative care team. You may find these booklets helpful to write down your questions or topics you wish to discuss with the care team.
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) information sessions
Participate in a FREE online information session that covers the topics of Enduring powers of attorney, Medical treatment decision-making and Guardianship and administration on a rotating schedule.
Support for Carers Program
FREE Service
Unpaid carers provide care and support for their partners, friends, family members or other loved ones with a disability, mental illness, chronic illness or medical condition, terminal illness or ageing-related support needs. The Victorian Support for Carers Program (SCP) can assist by providing tailored, flexible support based on a carer's individual needs and circumstances.
 Support-for-Carers-Program-providers.pdf (106kB) |
Neurodiversity and grief: unique challenges of a universal experience
We all deal with grief in different ways. Factors such as culture, society, religion, personal beliefs and past experiences all shape the way we grieve. Another often overlooked factor that influences our response to grief is how our brain works. While research into this area is limited, there are distinct ways that neurodivergent people process grief.
Carer Resources Links
CarerHelp provides trustworthy information and resources for Australians who are caring for a family member or friend who has a serious illness and is at the end of life. See information for:
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers. Advocates on behalf of carers to influence policies and services at a national level and works to improve the health, wellbeing, resilience and financial security of carers and to ensure that caring is a responsibility that’s shared by family, community and government.
CarerHelp Diversity focuses on improving access and reach for diverse populations of Australian carers and is developing resources for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people who identify as LGBTIQ+.
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program designed to provide free services and support for carers, including assistance with specific support programs and respite - both planned or emergency.
Healthy End of Life Program (HELP) This App can assist you to ‘take the lead’ and feel confident in coordinating the practical and emotional support that your family needs as they come to terms with a loved one reaching palliative care or end-of-life. Visit the Apple or Google Play store and search for 'Healthy End of Life Program' to download the Free app.
Palliative Care Victoria Provides comprehensive information about Palliative Care for the community, including downloadable audio and written materials in 17 languages.
The Centre for Palliative Care Provides access to education, books and research articles for carers, community and clinicians.
End-of-life and palliative care for people living with a disability Better Health Channel factsheet that provides a snapshot of key considerations. Easy English resources.
Weavers A peer-to-peer model supporting carers. Provides personalised and flexible 1:1 peer support for carers from someone who has been a Carer.