Carer Stories

Stories from other carers are important. Often carers have similar stories regardless of the person they care for and their needs. 

If you have a story to share please get in touch by emailing carerssupport@familycare.net.au

Robert

14 year old young carer who looks after his brother

Carer Gateway acknowledged the role that I have as a young carer and how that impacts on my life.  They helped me feel better about myself because they took the time to listen and ask me what I needed. Carer Gateway funding has contributed to the cost of attending the Victorian Scout Jamboree and paid for a new bike when I outgrew my old one.

I use my new bike to go on long bike rides for exercise, to get away from the house when I need a break from my brother, to go for rides with my friends, exercise my dog and I take it to Scout riding activities.  Next month I plan to ride a minimum of 100km to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation in their Tour de Kids.

Thanks for everything Carer Gateway.

Tanya

Tanya cares for her mother who was diagnosed with cancer. 

My name is Tanya and I am a carer for my mother aged 89 years. Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, at the age of 85 years. The first diagnosis was 10 years prior. Although doing the carer role whilst working full time, I made the decision to reduce my working hours to part-time as I was unsure of the commitment needed to help and assist Mum, due to her diagnosis, age and the care she will need post operative.

The medical team decided to do a full mastectomy to alleviate her going through radiation or chemotherapy treatment. As the years have progressed the deterioration in Mum’s health has added enormous pressure and adjustment, with the role reversal between us both. With myself making decisions on her behalf, and scheduling her appointments around my work commitments. The increase in medical appointments, and needing more assistance with her mobility and everyday household duties.

I decided to link in with the Carer Coaching, as at the time I was feeling lost, and overlooked, my life was being totally absorbed and consumed by Mums. My daughter continues to be my support and backbone assisting me when I have been unable to take Mum to appointments or assist her. My first time meeting my coach, Rainbow, I was unsure of the whole process in relation to how carer coaching would assist and benefit me. In the first session, there were many tears expressing and discussing my carer role duties. Feeling frustrated, burnout and overwhelmed with having no additional family support from siblings.

Guidance from Rainbow and gaining a different perspective on my situation has given me strength and resilience. I am more open-minded and set boundaries to make each day more manageable. Once, I felt obligated to shoulder all the responsibility for the care of my mother. I now let situations evolve in their own sequence of events without feeling guilty.

– Tanya