Thousands of Australians are providing unpaid, informal care for older relatives and friends.

They are helping their loved ones with legal and financial issues, healthcare management, hands-on assistance with daily living, and emotional and social support. Often, family caregivers struggle to balance work and care obligations, allowing their health and wellbeing to decline.

Family caregiver demographics are changing

• A lowering birth rate means that there are fewer family members to help older relatives.

• The “sandwich generation” continues to grow – people who are caring for both older relatives and children – often in the same household.

• Increasingly, fulltime workers have second jobs as primary family caregivers, with many struggling to balance both roles.

• A growing number of caregivers are older than 65, many with health challenges of their own.

• A growing number of caregivers are in fact minors, many providing care for older relatives or relatives with disabilities. 

How can we help family caregivers?

The coronavirus has heightened the need for families and friends to talk about caregiving.

• Listen. Despite the hours spent with loved ones, caregivers can feel isolated and alone. Encourage caregivers to share their thoughts and feelings.

• Ask what the caregiver needs. Begin with “Tell me how I can help”. Offer to stay with the person who needs care so the caregiver can have a break. Offer to bring over a meal, pick up groceries and prescriptions, or lend a hand in the garden.

• Express your appreciation. Caregiving can be a thankless task so take the time to say, thank you. Send flowers, a treat or a gift certificate, along with a personal message of appreciation and remind others to do so.

• Help the caregiver locate help. Navigating the aged-care system can be challenging but Right at Home Australia is here to help.

Professional in-home care

For many families, professional in-home care is the best way to create a successful care strategy.

Professional in-home care can help family members feel better about the well-being of both their loved one who needs care, and the family member who is providing the most care.

Do your homework. Choose a reputable agency that screens, trains and supervises its caregivers, and handles all the legal and employer obligations. Remember, if you are not a family caregiver now, chances are you will be someday. Chances are just as good that you will need care someday.

Let’s honour and support family caregivers now and into the future.

Right at Home Australia care experts work with families to support the needs of older loved ones and family caregivers alike. Our professional Care Managers are available if you need help with your Home Care Packages application. Call your local Right at Home office or submit a confidential contact form to arrange a one-on-one consultation with a professional Care Manager today. No cost or obligation.

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Right Care Right at Home - Caring for Loved Ones at Home

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and have a comprehensive portfolio of care services that ensure your loved ones get the care they need. Right at Home provides home care for all adults regardless of the age and also provides care through the NDIS disability scheme. If you or someone you love needs care due to changed conditions because of illness, accident, surgery or due to Coronavirus, we have capacity so give us a call. Our number one priority is the safety of our staff and clients, and we follow strict hygiene and safety protocols. 

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Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney North West; Sydney The Hills; Padstow St George; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Hunter & Port Stephens; Southern NSW; Toowoomba- Darling Downs; Sunshine Coast; Mackay; Central Queensland; Townsville; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast South; Gold Coast North; Northern Rivers; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt;