Installing the oxygen tank: areas to consider when planning a sustainable Carer support system

A framework for setting up Carer supports

[Image Description: A smiling young man in a yellow hoodie is sitting with a woman who's thinking and writing, wearing an emerald green head scarf as a younger woman leans over to help them..]

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘putting the oxygen mask on ourselves first” before we help others we’re caring for, but what if we don’t even have the oxygen tanks installed in the first place? What do we do then?

So often, it’s not until we’re at a complete crisis point and the wheels are falling off that we realise that our stable equilibrium of daily life is balancing on the edge of one thing - us. And if we’re not firing on all cylinders - let’s be real, who’s firing on ALL cylinders - but if we’re running off fumes for too long, the many things we work so hard to maintain, including the people we care for, are left vulnerable if we go down.

So, to hold things together, even when the glue - that’s you - isn’t there, here’s a few things to think of and get in place:

Emotional Support

Supportive friends and family are what makes life joyful and worth sharing the good times - and sometimes the bad. Having people close by that provide a listening ear, empathy and emotional support can alleviate stress and give valuable perspective on hard situations. 

But friends and family are only one support, and sometimes we can rely too heavily on them when we may need to introduce some other supports, such as professional support.

Professional Support

Outside of the NDIS and into the Medical system, professional supports like your GP, who can recommend referrals and other interventions and psychologists or counsellors are instrumental in equipping you with the tools to manage stress, cope with difficult emotions and develop healthy strategies for self-care.

Currently in Australia, the available mainstream professional mental health system is woefully under resourced - it requires a little research and investigation to find the grass roots organisations (many of which are still government funded) that are providing mental health support on the ground and there are also other services provided through employers or online telehealth services, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Carers SA, while not supplying trained psychologists or coaches themselves, provide federally funded counselling and coaching for Carers to support them in their caring roles, which can be a stepping stone to ongoing mental health support from other avenues. 

Kinora has also put together a list of Professional and Community-based mental health supports that are available to everyone in Australia. Check it out here.

Respite Care

Arranging respite services to give yourself a regular break from caregiving responsibilities - before you hit burnout - will allow you to rest and recharge. This is usually the most recognised area of support for Carers in the context of NDIS funding, however a strong case for Short Term Accommodation (STA) funding lies heavily on it being in the best interests of the NDIS Participant, with the Carer being a secondary consideration. 

Alternative respite options can be a professional caregiver, a trusted friend or family member or through respite care programs available in your community, such as via Carers SA and Carer Gateway.

Financial Support

Explore financial resources available to caregivers through the various social agencies and Department of Human Services (Centrelink). Depending on your location, there may be financial assistance programs, grants or benefits that can help alleviate the financial strain associated with caregiving. Google local government or nonprofit organisations that offer support for Carers.

Community Resources

Check out community resources that provide assistance and support. Look for local caregiver support groups, community centres or organisations that offer educational programs, workshops or respite care services. These resources can provide valuable information, practical assistance and a sense of community.

Carers SA run regular Carer Peer Groups and Carer Breaks. Carer Peer Groups bring people together with shared experiences to feel part of a community of supportive and giving people. Carer Breaks are genuinely fun activities for Carers to take a physical and mental break from their caregiving roles.

Self-care Strategies

Take the time to develop self-care practices that prioritise your own wellbeing. This may mean making time for hobbies or activities you enjoy, setting time aside for relaxation, practicing mindfulness or meditation, regular exercise or conscious movement, eating nourishing food and having good sleep hygiene. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial to being able to provide - ongoing - care to others.

Emergency Plan 

Having an emergency plan in place in case of unexpected situations or crises can give you peace of mind that things will be covered, should the worst happen. Find and create a list of emergency contacts and emergency services phone numbers and have an understanding of how to manage an emergency situation.

Carers SA can help you respond quickly and navigate challenging times with Emergency Respite Care services. However, they do recommend registering for their services and going through their Carer Star Assessment process prior to needing emergency support as they will have a better understanding of your situation and caregiving needs.

Remember, seeking help and support is a recognition of the challenges you face as a caregiver. By having these supports in place, you can better navigate difficulties, reduce stress and ensure the wellbeing of both yourself and your loved ones that you care for.

Login in to Kinora to start connecting with people who are on a similar journey to you, for advice, support or just to chat it through.