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A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members and/or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic health issue or an older person with care needs.
They are parents, children, partners, other relatives and friends who assist with a variety of personal care, health care, transport, administrative support, cognitive emotional tasks, household chores and other activities.
How do people become carers?
People become carers in different ways. Sometimes it happens gradually - helping out more and more as a person’s health and independence gets worse over time. It may also happen suddenly - after a health crisis (like a stroke or heart attack) or an accident.
It's not uncommon for carers to feel that they don’t really have a choice. Even in large families the responsibility of providing care is often left to one person rather than being shared.
Many carers feel that it is what they should do.
What do carers do?
Every care situation is different.
Some carers provide 24-hour nursing aid to a family member with high care needs. They help with daily needs and activities like feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, lifting and moving, and administering medications.
Others care for people who are fairly independent but may need someone to keep an eye on them or help them with tasks like banking, transport, shopping and housework.
Most carers give comfort, encouragement and reassurance to the person they care for, oversee their health and wellbeing, monitor their safety and help them stay as independent as possible.
Carers help their family members to have a good quality of life.
Who do we support?
The word ‘carer’ can be confusing and many people do not use this word to describe themselves. To be a carer, you do not need to:
- live with the person you care for
- be the main source of care and support
- provide care every day or over many years
- receive the Carer Payment or Allowance from Centrelink
No matter who you are, taking on a caring role is a significant event that brings both challenges and rewards.
While each caring situation is different, many carers share similar experiences. Select the situation of the person you are caring for below to find information relevant for you.
Disability and Chronic Illness
The needs of people with a disability or chronic illness are very diverse and every care situation is different. We can help you to find local services and supports that are tailored to the individual needs of your family.
Who do we help?
You can access Carers Victoria disability services if you:
- Care for a family member or friend up to the age of 65 years who has a disability or chronic illness.
If you are caring for somebody aged 65 or older you may be able to access our aged care services.
How can we help?
- We offer support and give you the chance to talk to somebody
- We arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
- We give workshops on topics of interest to carers
- We provide information about appropriate respite vacancies in different care settings
- We link you to other services that may be able to help
- We put you in touch with carer support groups where you can meet other people in similar situations
If you need support or advice, call Carers Victoria on 1800 514 845.
Older person with care needs
The Carers Victoria aged care team can provide expert and local advice, support in times of crisis, and the tools you need to plan for the future.
We understand what caring families are going through and can help you to evaluate your situation and link up to the local services and supports that best meet your needs.
Who do we help?
You can access our aged care services if you:
- Care for somebody aged 65 or older (50 or older for people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background) or somebody with dementia who lives in the community.
If you are caring for somebody younger than 65 you may be able to access our mental health or disability services.
How can we help?
- We offer support and give you the chance to talk to somebody
- We arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
- We give workshops on topics of interest to carers
- We provide information about appropriate respite vacancies in aged care settings
- We link you to other services that may be able to help
- We put you in touch with carer support groups where you can meet other people in similar situations
If you need support or advice, call Carers Victoria on 1800 514 845.
Mental Health
Caring for somebody with a mental illness can be difficult and confusing. The illness may cause them to think, feel or behave in ways that are hard to understand or cope with.
It is important to remember that you are not to blame for the illness, nor is the person you care for.
We can help you link up with local services and supports that understand what you are going through and can help make your caring role easier.
Who do we help?
You can access our mental health services if you:
- Care for a family member or friend of any age who is experiencing a mental illness.
If you are caring for somebody aged 65 or older you may be able to access our aged care services.
How can we help?
- We offer support and give you the chance to talk to somebody
- We arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
- We give workshops on topics of interest to carers
- We provide information about appropriate respite options that may be available
- We link you to other services that may be able to help
- We put you in touch with carer support groups where you can meet other people in similar situations
If you need support or advice, call Carers Victoria on 1800 514 845.
Employment for Carers
Caregivers frequently step away from their careers to provide dedicated care for a friend or family member. Transitioning back into the workforce after time away as a carer can bring a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Carers Victoria has created a set of workbooks to aid the process of returning to work. The workbooks are designed to be filled out by you and are ready to print.
The workbooks for carers are:
Improve Your Skills and Get Support
Learn Locals
A Learn Local provider offers great short courses in things like digital skills, English, preparing for study and a range of other courses. There are many spread throughout Victoria, find one local to you.
Skills and Jobs Centres
Skills and Jobs Centres are a Victorian Government service and offer free support to people looking for employment and training. They are a great place to get advice. They are open to anyone, regardless of visa status.
Reconnect Program
The Reconnect Program is an established Victorian Government program that provides tailored supports to help you get into work or study. To be eligible for support, you must have been out of the workforce for more than six months. Search a provider near you for support and advice on study and work options.
Local Community Centres, Neighbourhood Houses and Libraries
Digital Career Pathfinder (Australian Public Sector)
The APS Career Pathfinder is a tool that can help you if you want to explore digital and other career options in government.
Study Assistance and Course Options
- Free TAFE courses in Victoria
- Free TAFE courses in Australia
- Victorian Skills Gateway (course and study information)
Skills and Training Incentive
If you are aged 40 or over and employed, and at risk of becoming unemployed and entering the income support system or recently unemployed (within 12 months) and not referred to or registered with a Commonwealth funded employment services provider, the Skills Checkpoint program can offer in kind financial contribution for your studies, up to $2,200.
Services for Women
Fitted for Work
Fitted for Work helps women in Australia to become work ready, gain secure employment, and experience success in their careers! Their job-readiness services provide women with practical skills, knowledge, self-esteem, and know-how so that they can move forward with confidence in their careers.
Future Women Jobs Academy
Jobs Academy is a year-long, virtual program that equips you with the knowledge and connections to return to work and thrive. Jobs Academy was created by Future Women, an organisation that makes work fairer, better, and more accessible for women.
Sisterworks
If you are a woman from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker background, Sisterworks offers employment and entrepreneurship support. This includes hands-on work skills and small business programs with job readiness opportunities and connections with employers.
Services for Young People
Young Carer Job Readiness Project
This career readiness program run by Little Dreamers is for young carers aged 15-25 and offers guidance and career support.
www.littledreamers.org.au/programs/young-carer-job-readiness-project
www.littledreamers.org.au/programs/young-carer-job-readiness-project
Transition to Work
Transition to Work helps young people aged 15-24 into work (including apprenticeships and training) or education. Transition to Work participants receive intensive, pre-employment support to develop practical skills to get a job, connect with education or training, find local job opportunities and connect with relevant local community services.
Headspace
Trained coaches offer tailored 1-on-1 support and advice on everything from study and education options to job hunting for young people, aged 15-25.