2022 National Carer Survey

What is important to you as a carer? 

Have your say in the 2022 National Carer Survey!

The 2022 National Carer Survey closes on 31 July 2022 and carers who participate can enter a prize draw for their chance to win an Apple iPad 64 GB WiFi.

Complete the survey online now.

Events 

We are excited to announce that you can secure your spot at the 2022 Carers WA Conference from midday Friday, 1 July 2022.

This two-day conference on the 13th & 14th October at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is WA’s premier event leading into, and celebrating, National Carers Week. Tickets are limited but will be free for all carers registered with Carers WA.

The program will explore common trends and challenges related to the changing landscape of caring within WA, from the perspective of industry professionals and carers. 

 Information about sponsorship opportunities is also avaliable here.

Home Lifesavers Course 

Are you a carer who would like to learn some essential lifesaving skills that may assist you in your caring role at home?

Carers WA would like to invite you to attend our Home Lifesavers Course. This community education program, run by Surf Life Saving WA, is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to carry out first aid treatments in your home. The three-hour course will be followed by a light lunch and an opportunity for you to relax and interact with other carers.

Where: Surf Lifesaving WA | 7 Delawney Street, Balcatta

When: Thursday, 23rd June 2022 | 10.00am - 1.00pm (Please arrive at 9.45am for registration. A complimentary light lunch will be provided).

To register for this event, click here.

Carers Connect

Are you looking for support to start education or employment?

The Carers Connect program provides an opportunity to study and/or gain employment in the Care Industry (e.g Aged Care, Community Service, Disability, Health Care and Mental Health) or another industry with skills shortages.

Eligible participants will have access to:
- A Career Counsellor to assist with identifying skills and addressing barriers plus creating an individualised goal plan.
- Ongoing coaching and mentoring to support with job skills and pathways to employment.
- Assistance to select and enrol in an accredited training course.
- Financial assistance package to help achieve career objectives.

To express your interest in this program or for more information, visit the website or email carers.connect@carerswa.asn.au.

Lifelong Learning College

The next Lifelong Learning College program is starting this June. If you are caring for someone who would enjoy learning new life skills, building social skills and making friends, this inclusive community-based program is for you!

The program runs in conjunction with an In-Person Peer Support (IPPS) program which also provides an opportunity for carers to share their experience of being an unpaid carer, learn from others and develop a supportive network. 

The person with disability can utilise funds from their NDIS package to attend the College while the IPPS program is totally free for carers to participate.

To express your interest in this program or for more information click here.

Be Job Ready

Expressions of interest for the next Be Job Ready Course are now open. This course is specifically designed to assist carers in transitioning to employment by providing realistic information and practical skills which can be utilised to secure and maintain employment.

The program is delivered over 10 sessions (2 hours per session) with key job-related skills and techniques covered in each session including identifying transferrable skills, developing a resume, interview techniques and job searching skills.

Eligibility:
- In caring role ongoing, or within the last 12 months
- Aged between 14-65 years
- Live in or near the Perth metropolitan area

More information, including a course outline is available here. 

To express an interest in the next Be Job Ready Course, phone 1300 227 377 or email bjr@carerswa.asn.au.

Get social with us

News & Updates

Connect Up

Carers WA have teamed up with Health Redesigned and Eduka Web Design to develop an online social connection portal. The portal will enable people with disability to engage in the community, form social connections with peers and the wider community and increase opportunities for physical exercise, sport, and recreation.

We would appreciate your support in the development of this project to ultimately ensure it is as accessible, inclusive, and as safe as possible. If you would like to take part in our testing process before our final launch, please get in touch by emailing CCDTeam@carerswa.asn.au.

To find out more click here.

Amazing Mindfulness Painting Workshop

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Amazing Mindfulness Painting Workshop last month. Hosted by the Carer Wellness at Home team, this event was the perfect time to unwind, connect with like-minded carers and let creative talents take over.

To find out more about the Carer Wellness at Home Program click here.

Carers’ experiences and needs in supporting older adults

Carers WA and Monash University are seeking carers of older adults living in the community to take part in a survey for a research project, which aims to identify carers’ experiences and needs in supporting older adults who are discharged from hospital to home.

To take part, carers will: be supporting an older adult living in the community with chronic health difficulties; and have experience with discharge from hospital to home following admission for a physical health problem of the older adult that they support at any time after 1st January 2020.

The survey will take about 25 minutes to complete and is available here online.

Please contact Jacqui Allen from Monash University on 0427 940 794 or by email at Jacqui.allen@monash.edu for more information or if a hard copy of the survey is preferred.

Chado - The Way of Tea

Last month, the Joondalup In-Person Peer Support Group (IPPS) hosted a tea ceremony. The aim was to inform IPPS members of the neuroscience behind a particular mindfulness practice, Chado - the way of tea.

Through a neuroscience lens, we learned how a variety of rituals contained within the tea ceremony (informed by Japanese and Chinese tea ceremony) are aimed at training both sides of the body and brain. The ceremony utilised elements such as taking off shoes before entering the room, colour, nature, lighting and music to heighten all 5 senses and thus holistically encourage integration of mind and body. 

To find out more about the Carers WA In-Person Peer Support Groups email ipps@carerswa.asn.au.

Caring Costs Us 

Caring Costs Us examines the economic impact on lifetime income and retirement savings of informal carers.

The report finds that:
- Australian carers lose a considerable amount in lifetime earnings and superannuation.
- The age a person becomes a carer is significant on the financial impact of caring.
- Income support through Carer Payment is less than 30% of the average weekly earnings.
- The value of the Carer Allowance has significantly decreased since its introduction.
- No real improvement in government expenditure on informal care.

You can read the full report here.

Lifelong Learning College Graduation

Last month, a group of participants graduated from the Lifelong Learning College (LLC).  The LLC includes an educational program for the care recipient and runs in conjunction with an In Person Peer Support (IPPS) group for carers.

The next program starts in June. To find out more click here.