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Caring for a loved one can be deeply fulfilling but brings its fair share of challenges too – as Laura discovered.
When her mother Shelly had a stroke, she didn’t require a nursing facility, but could no longer live alone. Laura, who was working part-time while studying for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and dreaming of one day opening her own boutique dental practice, assumed that moving home to care for Shelly wouldn’t greatly affect her career plans. In fact, she thought giving up her rental accommodation would save money.
Unfortunately, Shelly had to quit work, so the pair only had Laura’s wages to live on. Yet the bills kept coming in, and on top of everyday living costs, expenses such as medicines, transportation, and modifications to the home soon added up.
The Financial and Emotional Strain of Being a Carer
Helping Shelly attend medical appointments and assisting with errands put Laura behind in her studies. Since Shelly’s condition was not going to improve, Laura deferred her course, telling friends she’d return later. A great emotional weight settled on Laura’s shoulders as she automatically prioritized her mother’s day-to-day needs above her own.
As expected, Shelly’s condition worsened. Medical sessions often clashed with Laura’s work commitments, leaving her no option but to give up her job as well. While expecting to support her mum physically and emotionally, Laura wasn’t prepared for the financial hit.
Fortunately, the Australian government offers a range of financial assistance packages for carers, such as:
- Carer Payments: Provided to those giving constant care to someone with a disability, illness, or who is aged.
- Carer Allowances: Offering financial assistance to carers who provide daily care and support to individuals with a disability or medical condition.
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): Offers various services and programs for disabled people and their carers.
Applicants must meet prescribed criteria, and the amount of payment varies depending on the situation. The Government website www.servicesaustralia.gov.au contains a wealth of information for carers, including eligibility criteria, entitlement estimation calculators, and information on how to claim. Shelly’s doctor provided program leaflets and additional details and helped Laura gather the medical paperwork and other relevant documents.
The Social Isolation and Mental Health Impact on Carers
For Laura, giving up her job impacted more than just her finances. Having already lost friends after too many declined invitations, she now lost her last source of social interaction. Resigning herself to a life of care, Laura abandoned all thought of returning to university, along with her dreams for the future.
It was around this time that Laura discovered Carer Gateway and Carers Australia. These websites provided valuable carer resources, information, and assistance services. While recognizing that financial relief was crucial, their emphasis was on the relevance of self-care, urging carers not to underestimate the importance of their own well-being, particularly their physical and mental health.
Laura found a community of people who understood her situation, and a network of support groups, counseling services, and respite programs encouraging carers to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their own needs. One of Laura’s new friends suggested she seek legal advice around Powers of Attorney and a financial adviser specializing in estate planning for both her own and Shelly’s peace of mind.
Finding Hope and a New Path Forward
These days, Laura says she feels the world opening up as the silence around caregiving is broken. With her mother’s illness, her life took an unexpected turn, yet it has expanded in other ways. Laura’s future is looking brighter; she has even enrolled in an online dental assistant course. Not exactly what she’d originally planned, it’s nevertheless a pathway to her own future, and more than that, she’s daring to dream again.
Being a carer is a challenging journey, but with the right support and resources, it is possible to find balance and hope. Laura’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of carers everywhere, and a reminder of the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.
If your ever feeling unsure, speak to a professional advisor.
