Nationally there are 2.65 million carers around the country who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol, or drug issue, or who are frail aged.

Anyone can be a carer, but there are many out there who don’t identify as one. Caring may include help and support with a range of daily activities including:

· Dressing

· Showering

· Arranging doctors’ appointments

· Helping with shopping

· Managing medications

· Helping around the house.

The list can go on and on, but the main thing is that carers form an important part of Australia’s health system and are the foundation for our aged, disability, palliative and community care systems.

If you are a carer, there is support from the government in the form of online information, over the phone consultations and some groups even do information seminars and various support workshops. There is also a Queensland specific carers support program run by Carers QLD Australia, they also have advice about the NDIS and can help you with any queries you may have.

National Carers Week is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness for those carers in our community. The week runs from the 15th to the 21st of October, so please join us in showing our appreciation of those community members that do provide such an invaluable service.