Kerry Clarke loves her work providing care for the elderly or respite for their carers in her role at Bankstown City Aged Care (BCAC) where she has worked for 12 years.
“You can build a network of carers through BCAC which provides in-home care and respite care as well as aged care residential,” she said.
You can access a support package from BCAC by going through My Aged Care or you can just book and pay for services on an hourly basis, with multicultural carers and a range of support offered including grocery shopping, housekeeping, cleaning, cooking, gardening, personal care, transport to doctor appointments or out for a coffee.
Sometimes Kerry organises a board game as a brain booster or just has a chat.
Another BCAC carer Dianne Simpson says she loves hearing the life stories, especially the ones that include ‘when I arrived in Bankstown 60 years ago, there was nothing here’.
“I get a real kick out of my work and am constantly impressed; we have one woman in her own home who is 105,” said Dianne who finds providing respite care for other carers or families who need a break, also very satisfying.
“We’re just happy to help.”
To access carer resources, visit the carersgateway.org.au.
Carers urged to make most of services, support on offer
CARERS are being encouraged to make the most of services and support available to them in National Carers Week.
Minster for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens, said the ‘It’s Caring’ campaign would celebrate the State’s 850,000 carers and raise awareness about support available.
“Throughout the pandemic, the love and support of carers has been more important than ever,” he said.
