Carers Week Puts the Spotlight on Everyday Caregivers
12 Oct 2026
Caring is not always a role people choose or identify with. It may begin when someone helps a family member or friend who has a disability, health condition or difficulty managing everyday activities because of age.
There are simple ways to make life easier for someone in a caring role. Staying in contact, helping with daily tasks and giving them time to rest can all be useful.
A kind word of thanks and encouragement to look after their own health can also help. People can further assist by sharing details of services available to carers.
Where carers can find help
Carer Gateway offers free Australian Government support for people caring for someone with a disability, a medical condition, mental illness or age-related frailty.
Depending on their needs, carers may be able to access:
- Groups that allow them to share experiences with other carers.
- Personalised assistance, including help with planned breaks from caring and transport.
- Professional counselling over the phone or face to face.
- Coaching to help them manage their caring responsibilities.
- Online courses covering personal wellbeing and legal responsibilities.
- Short-term emergency care if a carer becomes sick or injured and cannot look after their loved one.
Carers Week Puts the Spotlight on Everyday Caregivers
Source: Carer Gateway; National Carers Week.