SERIES ONE - CARING FOR AN OLDER PERSON
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Sheet 1 considers the different types of people who become carers. It outlines the process through which people become carers, what carers do in their caring role, and at what point their caring role ceases.
Sheet 2 describes how the process of caring for a family member gradually begins. It outlines changes in a family member's health that potential carers should be mindful of, as well as tips on how to cope when a family member dismisses your concerns.
Sheet 3 describes how the process of caring for a family member can suddenly begin. It outlines significant changes in a family member's health that carers should notice, and provides tips on how to deal with the expectations of people looking to the carer for answers.
Things to consider when taking on a caring role
Sheet 4 outlines the information that carers should take into account when choosing the level of support they can offer a family member or friend. It also considers the reasons why some carers may not be able to offer a family member or friend the level of care they need.
What might caring really mean for you?
Sheet 5 outlines the rewards and challenges of caring, and provides carers with suggestions on how to balance caring for a family member or friend and taking time out for themselves.
Where should your family member live?
Sheet 6 outlines the various living options that carers should consider when deciding where their family member or friend should live.
Helping your family member to remain living at home
Sheet 7 considers the opportunities and risks associated with a family member or friend continuing to live in their home under their care. It also outlines the ways in which family and friends can work together to assist in such arrangements.
Should your family member move in with you?
Sheet 8 considers when it is appropriate for a family member or friend to move in with their carer. It highlights the importance of not rushing into this important decision, as well as factors that carers should think about before making this decision.
Should you move in with your family member?
Sheet 9 considers when it is appropriate for carers to make the decision to move in with a family member or friend who is in need of care. It outlines the benefits of this decision, as well as the unexpected feelings carers might experience as a result of the move.
Other accommodation options - supported living
Sheet 10 considers the benefits of the following supported living options:
1. Independent living unit
2. Retirement villages
3. Serviced apartments and
4. Supported residential services (SRSs)
Rights and responsibilities in caring for a family member
Sheet 11 outlines the rights and responsibilities that carers have under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth) when caring for an older person.
Sheet 12 outlines the types of aids and equipment that are available to help a family member or friend being cared for to maintain their independence.
How and why to organise support services
Sheet 13 considers the benefits of engaging support services to help a carer in their caring role. It provides information on where to go to get information on support services, and how to get started with support services.
Home and community care services
Sheet 14 describes the services offered by Home and Community Care Centres (HCCC), how their costs are calculated, and how carers can apply to HCCC for assistance.
Respite care - get the break you need
Sheet 15 describes what respite care is, and the different respite options that are currently available to carers and families of a person with impaired competence or capacity.
Sheet 16 describes the types of community care packages that are available to carers to plan and coordinate the health and support service needs of the family member or friend they care for.
Specialist clinics - how they can help
Sheet 17 describes what specialist clinics are, how their costs are calculated, and how carers can apply to the clinics for assistance.
Services and support just for carers
Sheet 18 outlines the various service and support networks available to carers to help them get through their demanding, and often draining role.
Sheet 19 outlines what an Aged Care Assessment Service is, and how an assessment can help carers determine the information, advice and assistance available to them in their caring role.
Financial and legal considerations - Part 1: Enduring Powers of Attorney/Guardianship and Wills
Sheet 20 outlines the information that carers need to know about the following three arrangements:
1. Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial)
2. Enduring Power of Attorney (Personal and Health Care) and
3. Wills
Financial and legal considerations - Part 2: Guardianship and administration orders
Sheet 21 considers the situation where a guardian or administrator is appointed to look after a person who is no longer capable of making their own decisions, and does not have an Enduring Power of Attorney in place.
How and why to get family to help with caring
Sheet 22 considers the importance of sharing the caring role with other family members or friends as a way of reducing the physical and emotional toll of being a carer.
How and why to hold a family meeting
Sheet 23 provides tips on how to organise a family meeting to discuss difficult issues and make decisions on behalf of the family member or friend being cared for.
What to do when your family member doesn't want help
Sheet 24 provides information on how to deal with an older person who resists the help of family or friends or declines to use support services that are available.
Don't forget to make a back up plan!
Sheet 25 considers the importance of having a back up plan in place for when unexpected situations occur. Examples of these unexpected situations include:
1. The person being cared for is involved in an emergency
2. The carer is taken ill or dies
3. Family members are no longer available to help or
4. Support services are withdrawn
Sheet 26 provides information on the Carers Allowance and Carers Payment, and outlines the eligibility requirements for each.
