Carer help and support: Kaye’s story

7 October 2020

7 Oct 2020

Do you need carer help and support? We’re here for you. Click here or call 1300 698 624 to find out how we can help.

Kaye is a carer for her daughter Isabelle, who has Autism and an intellectual disability, her husband Finlay, who is in the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, and most recently her Mum, who is just starting to need a little more support. Kaye has received carer help and support from our Carer Support Program for 20 years. This National Carers Week, she wants other carers to know they’re not alone, and to reach out for support if they need it.

Carer Support recipient Kaye and her husband Finlay — Kaye gets help and support from the VMCH Carer Support Program with respite and financial assistance.

What kind of care do you support your loved one with?

My husband is still working a few days a week. He has needed assistance to find a network of supports and a little help to manage them.

My youngest daughter, Issy, has some good skills and some independence but needs help navigating the NDIS. She would like to leave home one day and would also like to work. We have been trying for quite some time to find work even though she has had some great work experience.

Finally, my mother – who has been managing independently in a retirement village across town – is starting to need more help. Transport to medical appointments has been a real problem during lockdown in Melbourne and I am Mum’s closest family member.

How has VMCH’s Carer Support Program helped?

They’ve provided financial support with respite and when my three girls were young it allowed us to have time out. In more recent years, I have felt more isolated as a carer. Being able to have time out with other carers is a welcome break – I always come home refreshed and with new friends. Regular outings and activities are a great break from my day-to-day responsibilities and a chance to catch-up with other carers and swap ideas about supports and services. VMCH staff are also quite knowledgeable!

What are the challenges of being a carer?

The day-to-day work of supporting others can be physically and emotionally challenging. Balancing my needs against those of the family members I care for can be tough some days.

What are the rewards?

I love seeing my daughter grow and thrive as part of the community. It is really wonderful when I find other professionals and support workers who can work with my family and assist them to achieve their goals.

What would you say to a carer who feels they might need support but is reluctant to seek help?

I would encourage anyone to just pick up the phone and reach out. Help and support are there. It sometimes takes a little time to get things set up but you are never alone!

If you would like carer help and advice, click here.

End-of-Life (EOL) Pathway

Changes to Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme

All about care management services

Understanding the Single Assessment System for Aged Care

SAH: Services and pricing

SAH: Classification and funding changes

SAH: Participant contributions

Support at Home and current home care recipients

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.