Being a carer can bring a sense of satisfaction, but it can also be stressful and challenging. Give yourself some time out and share your concerns with somebody neutral such as a counsellor or your GP, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
There is a wide range of support available to help you with your caring role, including respite care. The Australian Government’s Carer Gateway provides practical information and resources for carers. Call 1800 422 737.
Caring for someone with cancer can also cause financial difficulties. Services Australia (Centrelink) supports carers with a range of payments, including the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. For more information about these payments, call 132 717.
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I joined a tai chi class organised through the Carers Association and also attended their support workshops and relaxation sessions. I found the encouragement from other carers gave me the confidence boost I needed.
Isabella
Podcast: Cancer Affects the Carer Too
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Prof Sarah Lewis, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW; Kevin Bloom, Senior Social Worker, Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Danielle Curnoe, Consumer; Alana Fitzgibbon, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Gastro-Intestinal Cancers, Cancer Services, Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS; Hall & Wilcox (law firm); Johanna Jordaan, Consumer; Dr Deme Karikios, Medical Oncologist, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, Nepean Hospital, NSW; Melissa Lawrie, Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse, Cancer Services, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Jacqueline Lesage, Consumer Reviewer, Cancer Voices NSW; McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, VIC; Louise Pellerade, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Andrew Potter, Consumer; Siân Slade, PhD Candidate, Nossal Institute for Global Health and Non-Executive Director (health, disability sectors), VIC; Paula Watt, Clinical Psychologist, WOMEN Centre, WA.
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