Support services for carers 009-01030000

All carers who do not already have a referral should be offered a referral to support services.

The referrals are voluntary, with the carer's consent.

• If the carer agrees to a referral, they should be provided with a choice of organisations. These may either be national or state/territory organisations or community organisations, including:
• services that can assist with training or employment options
• services that provide respite
• services that provide counselling and support to carers
• child care and school holiday programs
• other Centrelink services
• Carer Gateway is a National online and phone service that provides practical information about services and support available for people who care for someone with a disability, chronic illness, dementia, mental illness or frailty due to age, see Carer Gateway
• The National Carer Counselling Program provides short-term counselling services specifically for carers, see National Carer Counselling Program

When caring for someone with a disability, carers are often faced with pressures beyond those which have a financial basis. It is important that carers are given information on government assistance as well as private organisations which provide assistance to carers. The referral organisations may help to address some of the following pressures and concerns that some carers may be experiencing:

• anxiety
• depression
• anger
• isolation
• exhaustion
• uncertainty - financial, legal, social, about the future
• loss of work skills and networks
• burnout
• loss of social skills and social interaction
• guilt about any negative feelings/thoughts towards care receiver
• frustration and resentment towards the person being cared for
• fear for themselves
• fear for the health and future of the care receiver