By Patricia Arora, TMCCA
TMCCA hosts a CARERS & CO. morning tea on the fourth Wednesday of each month, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Carers are welcome to bring a plate to share and a gold coin donation. Morning tea is followed by an activity that encourages bonding and general support between carers.
Enquiries: TMCCA – 5545 4968 or info@tmcca.com.au
Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, or who are frail and aged. They make an enormous contribution to our communities and hence to our state and national economies. Appreciating carers for their dedicated and selfless service towards those who need it, is essential.
So, who cares for the Carer?
Some ways to support a Carer are –
- Offer your presence: Be proactive – offer your time and active attention. Remember, it’s your presence that the Carer needs to access to some respite from their caring routine. Just be with them and listen. Offer suggestions, only if requested.
- Change the scene: Get outdoors. Sometimes offer to just get out of the house for a short walk together. Change of scenario is always refreshing and nothing beats nature to soothe frayed nerves.
- Validate the carer: Let the Carer know that the role they play is invaluable and ask if there’s anything they would like you to do for/with them sometimes (eg. cook a special meal or participate in an activity of their choice… usually they require some gentle and caring attention to what they would like to share)
- Carer Gateway: Carer Gateway is a national online/phone service providing practical information and resources to support Carers. www.carergateway.gov.au.
Carer Gateway Counselling 1800 422 737 (8am to 6pm). 13 11 14 (Lifeline 24-hour support)
