It’s National Carers Week – time to recognise the more than 2.2 million Aussies caring for loved ones, unpaid. Their work saves governments an estimated near seventy $78 billion dollars in replacement care every year. Carers ACT is urging the ACT Government to urgently commit ongoing funding to ensure some 50,000 of these unsung heroes are better supported.
Watch the video here: Carers ACT on Win News
Leslea Greary says that she cares for 2.5 kids, all of whom are in their twenties and have special needs. She says 2.5 because Annie and Kelsey live with her, while 28-year-old Tully has his own place, which is just over the back fence. In this special Mother’s Day story, Tully asks Leslea, “What it’s like to be my mum?”
Listen here to a conversation between Leslea and her son Tully
Listen here to a conversation between journalist Kim Huynh and Leslea
ABC Radio Canberra brought together three friends – Marion, Jane and Marilyn – to chat about the courage, humour and support that they need to care for their partners who have advanced dementia.
Do you think of your life after caring…? a Second part to the chat with Marion, Jane and Marilyn
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is an unpredictable disease that can cause hallucinations, paranoia and violent outbursts.
In this story we hear about Deirdre whose looked after her husband while enduring verbal abuse and, in the final stages of his life, violent attacks.
Please note that Deirdre’s courageous story might not be suitable for some listeners.
ABC roving reporter, Kim Huynh, passed his microphone over to 93-year-old Jim who has advanced dementia, so that he could ask Marion about their caring relationship.
Audio:
This time, over two consecutive days, we hear Lucy’s story. A nine year old child who has several conditions and needs that make life especially challenging for her and her parents.
AUDIO – The joy and Challenge of Raising an Autistic child
In this interview, journalist Kim Huynh passed his microphone over to Elle, a local autistic woman, who asked her Mum Lynne about what it was like to raise her.
AUDIO – Shea’s Story
A touching interview between young carer Talon, a 14 year old boy who cares for his 16 year old brother Shea, with cerebral palsy. Shea and Talon have a strong bond and Talon is immensely proud of how his older brother has lived life to the fullest, including carrying the baton at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
AUDIO – Rachel’s Story
Rachel Rix cared for six children and numerous foster children until her dreams of travelling around Australia to help those in need were dashed by illness, forcing her devoted husband Darrin to become her carer. Aired on ABC Radio Canberra and nationally. First in a series of carer stories from the ACT by journalist Kim Huynh.
Young Carer Malakai wins Local Hero Award
Young carer Malakai Reinhard wins the inaugural 2018 Westfield Local Hero award for his selfless devotion to caring for his mother and sister.
AUDIO – Young Carer Miguel Bedsor talks about his caring role on ABC Radio
ABC Radio ‘Capital Youth project’ interview with young carer Miguel Bedsor, talking about life and his caring role. (3m24s)
VIDEO – Young Carer Malakai Reinhard talks about his caring role on WIN TV
Young carer Malakai Reinhard, a nominee for the inaugural 2018 Westfield Local Hero award talks to Emma Groves from Win TV about his caring role. (1m32s)
ABC News Story: Young Carers Thankful for Mental & Financial Support
A news story that aired on ABC TV 7pm News Bulletin on how young carers welcome the boosted mental and financial support but want more help into adulthood.
AUDIO – The Importance of Advance Care Planning
Carers ACT CEO Lisa Kelly interviewed on ABC Radio by Adam Shirley about the importance of Advance Care Planning.
