The ‘It’s Caring’ campaign – launched during National Carers Week, October 10-16 – celebrated the State’s 850,000 carers, who provide unpaid help to someone who needs support due to disability, mental illness, dementia, frail age or chronic illness, and raised awareness about support available to them.
Merrylands resident Jenny Stariha and her son have moved back in with her Slovenija-born mum Antonia because it was easier than travelling to and fro.
A full-time worker in the council’s senior and disability sector, Jenny says her support means her mum can stay in her own home for longer and that makes everything worthwhile.
“I’ve actually been a carer for 10 years and first took care of my dad who had dementia before he died in 2015,” she said.
“Mum is 85 but still pretty good; she can do most things at home and still gardens but she needs some help and I take her to all of her appointments.
“I have two brothers that also take her out for a meal and feel lucky that I live and work in the same local government area; it’s not as easy for others.”
For more info on support for carers or to access resources, visit carergateway.gov.au.
Moves back in with mum to make ‘carer role’ easier
WITH one in five carers coming from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, a new campaign is encouraging them to make the most of services and support.
