Carers week: millions of reasons to care

As we head towards the end of this years National Carers Week selectability is urging carers across regional Queensland to reach out for help they need and deserve!

Carers perform an essential role that is generally taken on with little support or training and can often be very isolating.

selectability Carer Coordinator Kathryn said it was important to recognise carers for the invaluable service they provide not only their loved ones but also their communities.

“Carers are those who provide unpaid care and support, anyone at any time can become a carer,' said Kathryn.

“They [carers] play a vital role in the life of someone living with a disability and we acknowledge all carers for the incredible effort and love they show to others each and every day.

In Australia one in ten people provide unpaid care and support – that equates to 2.65 million people.

“There are millions of carers in Australia and this year’s Carer Australia “Millions of Reasons to Care” campaign aims to increase awareness of carers and the role they play.

The value of the support family and friends provide to family members, friends and people in the community shouldn’t be underestimated

As Kathryn highlights unpaid carers also make an enormous contribution to our economy.

“According to a report by Carers Australia, replacement costs for paid carers would equate to over A$75 billion.”

It’s not unusual for carers to feel overwhelmed at times, with carers 2.5 times more likely to experience lower wellbeing.

“We need to make sure that our carers are maintaining their own health and wellbeing too. Apart of this is our ability to provide carers with the supports they need to find their purpose, give them hope and reduce social isolation.

“selectability’s focus is on providing services to ensure that carers have the emotional resilience to continue in their caring roles.”

As a Carer Gateway regional delivery partner selectability provides counselling and emergency respite services designed to improve capacity and provide carers with the tools, strategies and support to improve their wellbeing and participate socially and economically.

selectability provides Carer Gateway services to all carers whether it is someone caring for a family member or friend with a disability, a medical or mental health condition or someone who is frail due to age.

National Carers Week is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring role.

National Carers Week takes place from October 16 to 22. If you you or someone you know is a carer and needs support contact us today on 1800 133 123.