Carers - specialist services | Better Health Channel
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Summary

Carers, including family members, are an important resource and need support. People with a mental illness or disability and older people may rely on carers. Support and help for carers, including respite breaks, are available from many sources.

There are a number of programs which support and assist carers. There are services specifically for carers of people with a mental illness, for carers of people with a disability, and for carers of older people. Others services are for all carers. Regional Carer Support and Respite Services can help you link into both types of services.

Self-help services provide contact and support


Talking to other carers about their experiences can be a good way to relieve stress. It’s also a way to swap information and get tips about looking after yourself and the person you care for. Information and education can also be useful. Mutual support and self-help services offer these types of opportunities.

Respite care gives carers a break


Planned respite gives carers a break and provides them with opportunities to pursue other activities and interests. Respite care can be provided in an emergency - for example, if the carer will be away unexpectedly. It can also be planned at regular intervals, provided in the home, and even give a carer a bigger break, like a five day adventure camp.

Life skills for people with a mental illness


Psychiatric disability rehabilitation and support services, such as day programs and home-based outreach, assist people with a mental illness to develop social and living skills. These skills help to provide stability and independence. Carers also get a break while the consumer participates.

Carer Support Program


Carers of clients of the public mental health system are eligible to apply for assistance through the Carer Support Program. The program provides flexible funding to enable highly individualised support.

Network for carers of people with a disability


The Network is the Victorian peak body of organisations and individuals that support carers of people with a mental illness.
It comprises
  • Carers or former carers linked with carer groups
  • Representatives of statewide carer organisations with a significant carer focus
  • Workers from carer support programs

Where to get help

Things to remember

  • Mental illness affects families and carers
  • Support and assistance is available.
You might also be interested in: Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: March 2010

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.


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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Carers_specialist_services?open">Carers - specialist services - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Carers, including family members, are an important resource and need support. People with a mental illness or disability and older people may rely on carers. Support and help for carers, including respite breaks, are available from many sources.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2012  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.