Carers SA are here to help

People become Carers in different ways. Sometimes they start helping someone out bit by bit. Sometimes it happens suddenly, because of an accident or illness. Carers can be any age. Parents, grandparents, partners, siblings, friends and neighbours may all take on a caring role at some point in their life. There are more than 245,000 Carers in South Australia.

Who is an unpaid Carer?

An unpaid Carer is a family member or friend who looks after someone with:

• A disability

• A mental illness

• Dementia

• A long term health condition

• An illness that is terminal

• An alcohol or drug related problem or

• Someone who is frail due to age

What is the Carer Gateway?

The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative which provides services and support to unpaid Carers across Australia. Carers SA is the local Carer Gateway provider in South Australia for the provision of these services. Carer Gateway services are focused on supporting Carers and they complement the existing services that may be available through other supports such as My Aged Care or NDIS. Can Carers who receive Centrelink Carer Payments access services through Carers SA?

Yes. In fact Carers who do and do not receive Centrelink Carer Payments are both eligible to access services from Carers SA. The services are not income tested.

Does a carer need to live with the person/s they care for to be eligible for services through Carers SA?

No. Carers may or may not live with the person/s they care for and can still access support.

Is there a cost to register with Carers SA?

No. Carers SA offers a variety of free services to support Carers in their caring role.

I live in country South Australia can I connect with Carers SA?

Yes. Carers SA is a state-wide organisation, with skilled and professional staff working across country and metropolitan South Australia.

We are waiting on an assessment, will you still help me if there is no diagnosis of the person I am caring for?

Yes we can. Carers SA does not require proof of diagnosis regarding the condition of the person you care for.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Please contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or Carers SA on 8291 5600 and one of our team will be able to assist you. Visit carerssa.com.au