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What a carer is
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who may have a disability, mental illness or be an older person needing assistance. Carers help in many ways, from driving to appointments and managing bills to assisting with personal care, cooking and household tasks.
There are various support options available to help carers maintain their role and support their wellbeing.
Support services for carers
Support for Carers program
The Support for Carers Program provides information, practical support, and assistance. This includes carer support groups, targeted advice and help navigating the service system.
If you’re caring for someone who is frail or experiencing confusion, support is available to you to manage these challenges. You can also access short-term respite and carer-related material aid.
In Boroondara, the Support for Carers program is offered by:
- Extended Families Australia
www.extendedfamilies.org.au
Phone: 0452 236 850
Available: Monday Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm - Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania)
www.unitingvictas.org.au
Phone: (03) 9051 7000
Available: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. This includes in person or online peer support, phone counselling, and support packages to assist with care, transport, and emergency respite.
Carer Payment
Carer Payment is available for those who provide constant care to a person with disability, medical condition, or an older person who needs ongoing support.
Carer Allowance
Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment provided by the Australian Government to those who care for a person who needs daily support.
Companion Card
You can use a Companion Card to book or purchase tickets if the person you care for needs your support to attend community activities and venues. The card provides you with a free ticket for the event or venue. Companion Card holders get free admission to many community activities, events, and venues. You can also get free public transport across Victoria.
Carer Card
The Carer Card gives unpaid primary carers benefits and discounts on a range of products and services.
Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and supporting carers across Victoria. They’re committed to offering knowledge, guidance and support whenever you need it.
National Carers Week
National Carers Week is in October and is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the 3 million Australians who provide care to a family member or friend.
Counselling and support through My Aged Care
Counselling and support services can help you navigate the challenges of being a carer - whether it's understanding situations, managing behaviours, or strengthening relationships. Getting this support may ease your stress and help you sustain your caring role for longer.
Phone: 1800 200 422
Website: My Aged Care website
Immediate support
If you need to talk to someone immediately, contact Lifeline (24 hours a day) on 13 11 14.
Boroondara Services
Boroondara Library Service
Our Home Library Service delivers library items to any Boroondara resident who has difficulty visiting our libraries. You can borrow anything from our catalogue or ask for specific titles when you speak to one of our staff or volunteers.
Using your Companion or Carer Card for Council-run events
If you are booking tickets for a Council-run event and would like to use a Companion Card or Carer Card, you will need to book your tickets by phone. Please call the contact number we have provided for booking a ticket to the event, and we will assist you.