Planning for the future is often the number one priority of aging carers who are caring for a person with a disability.
Older parents and carers may be confronted with the prospect of their declining health and mobility, changes to their friendship networks, changes in the supports available and the need to carefully manage their finances. Carers need reassurance that the person they care for will be safe, happy and well supported in the future.
“At Gippsland Lakes Complete Health we can assist older people caring for someone with a disability to make choices about future service and support arrangements, and provide them with the best possible advice regarding their options,” explained Shelley Wormald, Team Manager of Disabilities Services at GLCH.
“There is no single organisation that will automatically take over your role. However there are organisations that can assist you to plan for the future, we can help you access them.”
If you are 60 years or over (or Aboriginal and over 45 years) and are caring for a person with a disability, you are eligible for support and planning.
The GLCH disability team will assess your current and future needs, including those of the person with a disability you care for and create a plan that will link you to local organisations and support services, and address a range of situations such as ‘what to do in an emergency’.
“Our disability services are accessible quality services that promote resilience and independence,” added Ms Wormald. “Our experienced team will help you identify what needs to be put in place and the steps required to achieve peace of mind.”
If you would like to know more about planning for older carers for a person with a disability, call in to one of our five locations in Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Lakes Entrance, Metung or Nowa Nowa, or telephone 5155 8300 and ask to speak to Margie Budge our Disabilities Coordinator.