Call the Carer Gateway Contact Centre for support and services 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm local time
In an emergency or if someone is in danger Triple Zero 000
If you are in crisis, anxious or depressed and want to talk with someone Lifeline 13 11 14 for anyone
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 for people aged 5 to 25
Call your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre if you need emergency respite 1800 052 222 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
1800 059 059 After hours
Australian has a wide range of support for carers, including counselling, equipment, help at home or respite care. But one of the most common complaints from carers is that it can be hard to know where to get the help you need.
We know that carers cope best when they have help and support. In Australia, there are many services and supports ready to help you and the person you care for. But we also know that many carers don’t ask for help.
If you are caring for someone with disability, they may be able to get support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS aims to help the person to reach their goals and increase their independence.
Some carers think that you have to ‘prove’ that you are a carer before getting help. They think that only people who receive a Carer Payment, Carer Allowance or Carer Supplement can get other help available for carers. But even if you can’t get a government payment, you can still use many other services to help you and the person you care for.
There is a lot of support available for carers, from payments to home help and respite care. Some carers think that you have to choose between getting a payment or getting help. But you can have both!
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) carers face the same stresses and pressures as other carers. But you may also face added problems of discrimination. LGBTI carers can use all the same supports and services as other carers, including financial help, respite services and help and advice in many areas.
Explore our 10 tips about what you can do to make life easier if you are a carer looking after an elderly person.
We know that many young carers find themselves caring for someone and looking after a household before they have all the life skills they need.
If you are a parent, foster parent or grandparent with dependent children under the age of 16, you may get general payments available for carers.
Aids and equipment can be essential for someone who needs care, and can make life easier and safer for carers. You can get help to choose and pay for the equipment you need, including alarms and monitors.