Celebrating our unsung heroes: National carers week 2024 and the vital role of brain injury caregivers
We thank the millions of carers paid and unpaid that form a vital part of the support system across Australia.
National carers week 2024
This week we take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible efforts of those who care for someone living with a brain injury for National Carers Week. Whether they are unpaid caregivers or part of the professional health and social care workforce, their commitment makes a profound difference in the lives of individuals they support. The theme for this year’s national campaign is ‘Millions of Reasons to Care’.
Carers across Australia
Carers are often family members, friends or professionals who dedicate their lives to support individuals living with brain injuries. There are three million carers across Australia that work tirelessly to make sure those in their care regain their independence. They do this by rebuilding their lives through therapy, medical care and emotional support. In some cases, these unsung heroes juggle work, family, and personal responsibilities while managing the emotional and physical needs of caring for a loved one living with a brain injury.
Carers wellbeing
A recent Australian Carer Wellbeing Survey highlighted the large impact that access to support has on the wellbeing of carers. The survey revealed that 35% of carers frequently experience feelings of loneliness. However, those who had reliable access to support services reported better physical and mental health outcomes than those with limited or no access to such supports. These findings emphasise the importance of ensuring that both paid and unpaid carers have the necessary resources to manage their caregiving responsibilities. A strong support system for both carer and individual is best achieved through a combination of formal and informal assistance. Formal support is provided by paid professionals, while informal support comes from family, friends, and the community. Together, these types of support create a complete network that improves the well-being of everyone involved. Every brain injury is unique which means support comes in many different ways.
Types of support available
Synapse offers carers wrap around support through connection. This is a free call on 1800 673 074 and our team will support carers at every stage of their journey with practical solutions to the everyday challenges associated with brain injury. Some other support services available include:
- Community Support: Programs like our Reconnection Groups offer much-needed emotional and peer support, helping carers navigate the challenges of caregiving. Connecting with such community groups can also help carers feel less isolated and better equipped to manage their caregiving roles.
- Facebook Support Group: An opportunity to connect with other people who can understand the complexities of supporting a loved one with a brain injury. It is also a connection point with Synapse to ask questions and receive information.
- Free Counselling: Carer Gateway service providers free in-person or phone counselling where carers can speak one-on-one with a professional counsellor who is experienced in supporting carers.
- Carer Gateway Planned Respite: Support packages can be created to help carers manage their responsibilities and well-being, allowing them to continue caring for others.
- Carer Qld Events: If you are in Queensland, Carer Queensland has regular events for carers to build connections, chat over a good meal or attend a selfcare day.
At Synapse, we understand the challenges that carers face every day. That’s why our referral team is here to provide the support you need. We recently received a heartfelt message from a carer who shared how much our help meant to them—and we want to offer the same to you.
“The Information and Referral Team was so wonderful and helpful, they shared so much information with me. I’m so grateful for the call and all of the support the team offered, it’s so confusing trying to navigate these complex systems and your team were one of the few organisations who helped us to understand.”
There’s a lot to learn and a world of unknowns, but together we can make the journey a little easier. For carers, tapping into these support systems can improve their wellbeing, reduce stress, and provide much-needed relief in their caregiving roles.
Sources:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (Accessed October 2024) The Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers.
Caring For Others and Yourself: The 2023 Carer Wellbeing Survey Full Report (Accessed October 2024). 2023 Carers Wellbeing Survey.
Carer Gateway (Accessed October 2024)