A new initiative is changing the landscape of care for older Australians who themselves are carers.
The Carer Health and Wellbeing Service, a pilot program of the National Centre for Healthy Ageing (NCHA), is the first of its kind in Australia to focus specifically on the health and wellbeing of carers aged 50 and above.
Dr Aislinn Lalor of Monash University’s Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre (RAIL) emphasises the critical role these carers play: “Carers of older people provide essential support for those they care for to remain at home.” However, as Professor Keith Hill points out, this care often comes at a personal cost: “Carers often do this while neglecting their own health and wellbeing.”
The service, run by Peninsula Health, offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. This comprehensive support system aims to empower carers to address their own health needs while maintaining their caregiving roles.
Iain Edwards, Director of Community and Ambulatory Services at Peninsula Health, highlights the program’s innovative approach: “This service bridges the gap by identifying the particular needs of the carer to enable them to care more effectively.”
The impact of the service is already evident. Ivan Freer, a 72-year-old full-time carer for his wife, shares his experience: “The Service has helped me a lot, and it is definitely needed. I am able to speak to them about a lot of things and they have sent me in the right direction to get help or get what we need.”
As the program expands in 2025, it holds promise for addressing a critical gap in Australia’s healthcare system, ensuring that those who care for others are not left without care themselves.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
