Lung Foundation

Are there special resources for carers?

Are there any simple guidelines carers should follow?

What does being a carer mean to you, and what positive steps do you take to deal with the demands of caring?

What does being a carer mean? (February 1998)

Most carers take the caring role in their stride. They are often caring for a spouse, friend or family member. Carers feed, bath, dress, toilet, drive, medicate, supervise, comfort, nurse and listen.
Carers are important to our community. Statistics indicate there are approximately 1.5 million people in Australia voluntarily providing care for someone at home who is frail, elderly, chronically ill or who has a disability. This represents almost one in five households. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that caring is a significant commitment in a person's life. About 56% of principal carers had been in such a role for at least five years while 8.6% had been principal carers for 20 years or more (usually of a partner or child). Carers become more perceptive of others problems, feel more tolerant in general and feel they have a greater sense of purpose.

Caring is hard work. Many carers would love to have just one night's uninterrupted sleep, or the occasional Sunday off, just to walk in the park or do nothing. For too many, an annual holiday is a thing of the past. Some carers find it difficult to ask for help whereas experienced carers stress the importance of asking for help as soon as it is needed.

Seeking help and taking a break refreshes the carer, breaks their routine and gives them the much needed energy to carry on. Carers also benefit from accepting their limitations and contacting other carers for a chat. It is important for carers to choose the kind of help that meets a carers individual needs, be that respite care, home care, meals-on-wheels, GP, social worker or patient support group contacts.

Are there special resources for carers?

There is a centralised contact point for carers, the Carer Resource Centre. This centre has a toll-free telephone service 1800 242 636. By contacting this number you will be put in touch with the Carers Association in your state or region. a total of 58 regional Carer Resource Centres have been established across Australia.

Are there any simple guidelines carers should follow?

The Commonwealth Department of Health, Housing and Community Services has produced a Carer Support Kit, which contains a Successful Carers Checklist. You should keep this somewhere and refer to it when you need to.

Plan for success
Ask for help when you need it
Take time for yourself
Exercise, eat well and rest
Relax regularly
Keep up social contacts
Attend a Carers group when they feel they need support
Use available services
Acknowledge and deal with your feelings

What does being a carer mean to you, and what positive steps do you take to deal with the demands of caring?

Caring for a person with a chronic lung disease means learning as much as possible about the condition and making the necessary lifestyle changes. Carers we spoke to mentioned the very difficult and demanding nature of their role and also the rewards.

Mrs Whitton from LIPS, Tasmania

"Understanding the person who has the lung condition is the import thing, the main thing is to encourage them in whatever they do, be positive and say they are doing a good job, whatever it is. For me, if I can talk to another carer this helps me. I often share ideas with other carers in our support group. I try and choose things we (my husband and I) can do together, and with my knee problems it is like caring for each other. This is a good thing."

Mrs Haye from LungSmart, South Australia

"My husband has had Lung Volume Reduction Surgery 19 months ago. Before his operation he couldn't even wipe the dishes without getting puffed. since the operation my caring role is mainly helping him to lift things and make daily routine simpler. That is what my caring role seems to be, making daily life easier."

Dennis Humphery from SWITCH, Queensland

"My wife has had bronchiectasis all her life. The caring role is another part of my life that I have accepted. I like to joke around, if I didn't I would be up the wall. Last year I played darts three times a week. This year I am also exercising one night a week. You've got to think positive and you can't be negative. I go along to all the support group meetings with Lyn and this gives me the opportunity to meet other people and see what situation they are in. I understand the problems they have. I also ask Lyn's doctor a lot of questions, its very important."

Evelyn Santiago from Panter, Wheezers and Gaspers, New South Wales

"Caring has its ups and downs. The constant care of someone with a lung condition takes a lot of time. Sometimes I need a break. Being involved in the support group has given us both an interest. Doing something together is good for both of us. I pick up a dear elderly lady to take to the support group meetings. It is good to see the joy in someone else. For myself I belong to a touring club and I go on a couple of day trips without my husband."

Content updated March 10, 2008