Nicole finds it hard to recall what life was like before she became a carer.
Like 2.65 million others across Australia who care for a loved one, Nicole (pictured above fourth from left) doesn’t get much time to herself. And while the role is rewarding, it’s one that consumes her every waking hour.
October 15-21 is National Carers Week, aimed to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of people like Nicole who care for a family member or friend.
The Bendigo resident, aged 52, and her husband Paul, aged 69, are full-time carers for their daughters Izzie, 13, and Abby, 12, who live with additional needs. Nicole also provides occasional support to her ageing parents, and two grandchildren who live with autism.
It’s hard to articulate what being a carer is like – I’m so used to doing things now, it’s my norm,” Nicole says.
“The biggest challenge is sleep. I have a lot of trouble trying to shut down at night because I know all the things I’ve got to do the next day. You just have to be on your toes all the time for whatever may happen.”
Particularly challenging for Nicole is the juxtaposition of catering to her daughters’ separate needs.
“Izzie has sensory issues and likes to play with messy things like play doh and slime, while Abby has a germ phobia, so I have to try to keep everything in order and clean. Abby also has bad anxiety and has trouble leaving the house. So, for example, if she needs a new pair of shoes, I’ll have to buy a few pairs, bring them home for her to try on, then take the others back.”
Thankfully, both girls enjoy school, and her youngest, Abby, also drops into her grandparents’ place to help with gardening and housework.
Abby’s efforts with her grandparents were acknowledged earlier this year under the 2023 Young Carers Scholarship Program, which supports secondary school students who have caring responsibilities. Nicole is understandably proud of her daughter, who she describes as “extremely selfless and caring” towards others, despite her own challenges.