The Pharmacy Guild and many community pharmacists recognise the role of carers as integral to Australia's health system. Community pharmacists and staff are a huge support for carers, helping them to manage their own health and wellbeing on top of caring for a loved one.
There are more than 2.6 million unpaid carers in Australia and, according to National President of the Pharmacy Guild George Tambassis, they generally are high users of community pharmacy services.
“This is especially the case for primary carers, who are those who provide the most substantial amount of care for one or more people with disability, chronic illness, mental illness or who are classified as frail aged,” he said.
“Community pharmacists and pharmacy staff can support carers by making them aware of services that are available to help them cope, but also to take care of themselves.”
One such service is Carer Gateway, an Australian Government initiative designed to support unpaid carers. The Department of Social Services works with lead service providers across all regions in Australia to deliver in-person, online and phone-based support and services to carers. Services are available free to carers no matter where they live.
Carer Gateway gives carers access to:
- carer needs assessment and support planning
- in-person and phone-based counselling
- in-person and online peer support
- targeted financial support through Carer Directed Support Packages with a focus on employment, education, respite and transport
- emergency respite
- online self-guided coaching
- information and advice
- assistance with navigating relevant, local services available to carers through Federal, State and local government and non-government providers, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care and palliative care.
“I encourage all community pharmacists to mention services such as Carer Gateway to any carers they come into contact with, as it may just be the little bit of encouragement they need to seek help,” Mr Tambassis said.
“Research tells us that helping carers manage their daily challenges can make a big difference to their lives and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
“That’s why the Australian Government has committed more than $700 million over five years to help Australia’s unpaid carers get the support they need before reaching crisis point.
“Following an extensive four-year consultation process with carers and the sector, the Australian Government developed Carer Gateway. It is the single biggest reform to carer services in more than a decade.”
Chief Executive Officer of Carers Australia Liz Callaghan said: “Anyone at any time can become a carer, and often those performing caring roles don’t see themselves as carers – particularly when they’re caring for family members. But it is so important that carers reach out for support so that they and the person they care for can have the best outcomes.
“Carer Gateway provides carers with the means to access appropriate support across Australia, either online, via phone or face-to-face. Carers can find information on the support services available including respite care, financial support, phone counselling and general help and advice.”
More details are available on the Carer Gateway website and the Carer Gateway YouTube channel houses many videos to help carers understand the support and services available to them. You can also follow the Carer Gateway Facebook page.
