Carer Resources
My Health Record App
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.
It is available to download from iOS and Android app stores and provides easy access to key health information in your My Health Record including:
- medicine information history
- pathology results, including COVID-19 test results
- proof of vaccination history and upcoming immunisations
- allergy and reactions information
- hospital discharge summaries
- advance care planning documents
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 now apply online for CAPS through MyGov or with 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 are 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. This collaboration recognises the tireless dedication of carers and aims to provide them with much-needed respite. The discounts are subject to availability and exclusive to Carers Victoria’s members. Valid until 30 December 2024.
Setting up for at-home palliative care
A new webpage from CareSearch that lists practical things to consider, specialised equipment that may be needed or changes in the home, and links to useful resources.
Managing grief during the festive season
The festive season can feel pretty awful when you’ve lost someone you care about. However, there are a few things you can do over the holidays that will improve your emotional wellbeing and help you cope. If you’re feeling low, remember that there’s always someone you can talk to. Read more
Financial Support for Carers
Services Australia has produced a video to provide 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 provides insights into the types of carer payments available, the corresponding amounts 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. The fortnightly sessions cater to two age groups: 12 to 17 years and 18 to 25 years. These sessions offer an opportunity to meet other young people from across Australia who care for others to share stories, play games and have a laugh! Register here.
Here for you: Things you might like to discuss with your palliative care team booklets
When a child is diagnosed with an illness parents have many questions and concerns for health staff. Palliative Care Australia has developed a booklet to help families and carers write down the questions or topics they wish to discuss with their care team.
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) information sessions
Participate in a series of short weekly information sessions and longer monthly webinars, that cover the following topics on a rotating schedule:
- Enduring powers of attorney
- Medical treatment decision-making
- Guardianship and administration
No registration is required, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Support for PallCarers Program
FREE Service
The Support for PallCarers program is a collaboration between Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Calvary Aged Care services, palliative care consortia and CarersVic to support carers for people with palliative conditions throughout Victoria. A range of online, in-person, and financial supports are available.
Eligibility:
- Carer of a person with a palliative condition including advanced age
- Reside in Victoria
- Carer’s needs are not being met by other health, community or aged care services.
Carers of all ages can access the program. Young Carers (under 25) may also benefit from support through the Young Carer Support Network or Little Dreamers.
 Support-for-Carers-Fact-Sheet-Final-2023.pdf (421kB) |
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.
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. You will be connected with an Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers who will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and support.
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 a 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. This program came from research at La Trobe University’s Public Health Palliative Care Unit (PHPCU).
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. WEBINARS are available FREE on demand.
Healthy Dying for People with Disability resource A 6-minute guide that provides a snapshot of key components of effective communication to support end-of-life care of a person with a disability.
engAged: A newsletter for people who care about ageing and aged care. Subscribe here.