Who cares for older carers?

Caring for a loved one can be a tough job. Many older people who do it out of love struggle with loneliness, inequity, and isolation. 

It may seem obvious that older carers be given access to opportunities and support systems that prioritise their own health and wellbeing. However, support is infrequent, irregular, and piecemeal.  

That has led Monash University’s National Centre for Healthy Ageing (NCHA), to join with Peninsula Health, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, to develop a pilot support program to fill the gap. 

Its aim is to enable better support for people aged 50 and over who provide informal care to people aged 65 and over. 

Surprisingly, it is the first service of its kind to focus on older carers, who are liable to neglect themselves so they can keep going and help those they care for remain at home. 

The free interdisciplinary service includes a team comprising a social worker, psychologist, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist, who help carers to solve problems and address their own health needs. 

Peninsula Health’s director of community and ambulatory services, Iain Edwards, said initial research identified a real gap in available support for carers. 

“This service bridges the gap by identifying the particular needs of the carer to enable them to care more effectively,” he said. 

“This may be through addressing some of the emotional and psychological impacts that can occur, as the person being cared for might now be quite different. 

“Then through occupational therapy and physiotherapy support, we are able to help with the logistics around making caring easier, whilst maintaining the physical health and wellbeing of the carer.”