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Common questions on For carers and family

We have listed the most frequently asked questions in this category first. This should make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.

  Active ageing
  1. As I get older I don't want to eat as much as I used to - what foods should I eat to be sure I stay healthy?
  2. I'm fit enough physically, but now that I have retired the days seem to drag on and I feel I am getting mentally sluggish.

Allied health care, aids and equipment
  1. Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?
  2. We would like to get a special desk that can be adjusted to accommodate a wheelchair. Where can I find out about these?
  3. Where can I get continence management equipment free or cheap?

Care options
  1. Dad has always made decisions about his care, but lately I've been worried that he is not considering all the options. What can we do?

Care planning
  1. How can I start to talk to mum about preplanning for her care needs?

Carer support
  1. I've heard of carer support groups - what can they actually do for me?
  2. If I am caring for someone, is it possible for me to go on a holiday without them? Will they still be cared for?
  3. What help is there for carers?

Caring for someone at home
  1. Dad has trouble eating. Is there someone who can help him?
  2. I don't have time to do all the housework at dad's as well as my own. I can't afford a commercial cleaning service. Can I get help?

Complementary therapy
  1. Can I get allied health services for mum if she is in an aged care home?
  2. How would I know if the person I care for would benefit from allied health support?
  3. Mum lives in a rural area. How can I get a podiatrist for her?
  4. My father sees a lot of medical and allied health professionals who visit him at the home. I don't know why he needs to see so many people, and I don't know what they do for him. Dad doesn't seem to know either. I'm pleased dad is receiving care, but is there a way I can find out what it is all for?
  5. What is an 'alternative therapy'?

Cultural and identified needs
  1. Mum lives in a rural area. How can I get a podiatrist for her?
  2. What help is there for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Falls prevention
  1. Mum lives alone. She manages well, but I'm worried that she might fall and need help. What can I do?

Fees and costs
  1. I don't have time to do all the housework at dad's as well as my own. I can't afford a commercial cleaning service. Can I get help?

Financial and legal
  1. What is the difference between the Aged Blind Pension and the Age Pension?

Financial assistance
  1. What benefits are available to me as a carer?

Health conditions
  1. How do I find services to help me look after someone with dementia?
  2. I need more information about diabetes, where can I get it?
  3. Is incontinence more common in women or men?
  4. Where can I get continence management equipment free or cheap?

Home safety
  1. Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?
  2. What sort of changes to the home can make life safer for older people?

Legal issues
  1. I know from arranging my husband's funeral that there are papers and things you have to have after someone dies. I want to get these ready for when I die. Where can I find a list of what I need?

Medications
  1. Can I give medications to the person I care for?
  2. If I am concerned about the effect medication is having on the person I care for, who can I talk to for advice?

Mental health
  1. I'm fit enough physically, but now that I have retired the days seem to drag on and I feel I am getting mentally sluggish.
  2. Where can I find more information about depression?

Programs and services
  1. How can I find out about programs to help me care for someone?
  2. How do I find out about services for carers?
  3. How do I find services to help me look after someone with dementia?

Rights and responsibilities
  1. My father sees a lot of medical and allied health professionals who visit him at the home. I don't know why he needs to see so many people, and I don't know what they do for him. Dad doesn't seem to know either. I'm pleased dad is receiving care, but is there a way I can find out what it is all for?

Services for carers
  1. How do I find out about services for carers?

Short-term care
  1. I need to arrange respite care for Dad. Who can help me?
  2. What does a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre do?
  3. What happens if I suddenly get sick?

Standards and complaints
  1. If I am concerned about the effect medication is having on the person I care for, who can I talk to for advice?
  2. Is it possible to tell if someone is being abused?

Transport
  1. How will I get to and from the Day Therapy Centre?
  2. I don't drive and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get on the bus. How will I be able to do my banking and shopping, especially for clothing and larger items, not just groceries?
  3. I don't drive. The Home and Community Care people will take Dad to his medical appointments, but I need to go with him as he never remembers what the doctor says. Will they take me too?

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