Shedding light on the vital role of carers

17 October 2008
Armidale Community Health Centre is supporting national Carers Week by highlighting the invaluable contributions carers make to our society.
Carers Week is an annual event held from 19 to 25 October. The event was established to promote and raise awareness of the valuable role that carers play in our community and to generate discussion about carer issues.
Armidale Community Health Centre Registered Nurse Marian Barham said carers contribute more than $20 billion a year to the Australian economy. She also said carers provide 76 per cent of all services to people needing care and support.
“Who are carers? They are the everyday people who make up our community; the elderly neighbour, the women beside you at the supermarket checkout, the 17-year-old student, the garbage man,” Ms Barham said.
“But do we really stop to think about the nature and extent of the impact caring can have on all aspects of a carer’s life? Do we stop to think about their needs, their future?
“Carers can suffer from lack of control over everyday life, lack of self-confidence, decreased opportunity for employment during and after their time as a carer, as well as the deterioration of their own, physical, psychological and social wellbeing.”
Young people aged 16 to 24 are often the most hidden and disadvantaged group of carers, according to Ms Barham.
“Does the word ‘carer’ conjure up a mental image of a student struggling with their HSC? Or a young person terrified they will never find their place in the world, as they wistfully observe their peers on the sports field, or a group having coffee discussing their boyfriends and the courses they plan to apply for?
“For the young carer, caring can come at the expense of their developmentally-appropriate needs and pursuits.”
Rural carers also have particular needs. Access to services, isolation and transport concerns can come into play, as can cultural barriers such as self-reliance and stoicism.
The rural carer has the added stress of relocating from their home and support network for lengthy periods of treatment, significant financial problems in meeting travel and accommodation costs, medical costs, loss of employment, and having to cope with the demands of caring in a strange and intimidating environment.
“But the role of caring is not all negative. It is also a beautiful journey, a privilege and a joy, and the greatest gift we can give to those we love,” Ms Barham said.
“Armidale Community Health has a diverse range of health professionals and resources available to carers of all ages and backgrounds, who can provide information, advice, and support for our carers - the backbone of our community.”  
No referral or income assessment is required for people wanting to visit Armidale Community Health Centre. The centre is located in Clair House on the grounds of the Armidale Health Service. Free all-day parking is available in both streets as well as in the visitor parking off Butler Street, and the centre is fully accessible for visitors with a disability.
Community members wanting more information about the services available to carers at Armidale Community Health Centre can phone (02) 6776 9600.

(HNE-1585)

Contact: Carisa Josephs

Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183