We are proud to share our new Guide to Carer Gateway Services, created to support defence and veteran families who are providing care to a loved one. Featured in our Resource Hub, this guide brings together clear, practical information about the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway, a free national initiative offering services, resources and support designed specifically for carers.

Whether you are caring for someone with disability, a chronic or life-limiting condition, a mental health illness, or an ageing loved one, this guide will help you understand what services are available and how to access them to help both you, and your loved one. From counselling and peer support to emergency respite, financial assistance and coaching, Carer Gateway provides valuable help so that carers don’t have to navigate their journey alone.

Why Carer Gateway is important for defence and veteran families

Carers in veteran families often juggle multiple responsibilities while navigating complex support systems. Finding the right services can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially when each stage of the journey brings different needs, whether during service, post-service, or after the passing of a veteran. Sometimes it’s difficult to navigate what you need via the internet, so we’ve put it all in the one place for carers to browse!

Caring can take an emotional, financial and physical toll. By providing carers with tailored information about Carer Gateway, this guide aims to reduce confusion, make support easier to access, and empower carers to look after their wellbeing as well as that of the person they support.

What’s in the guide?

The Guide to Carer Gateway Services brings together key information in one place, including:

• Counselling and emotional support – free, one-on-one or group sessions in person or by phone.

• Peer support groups – connecting carers to others with similar experiences.

• Respite care – planned and emergency options to give carers a much-needed break.

• Coaching and skills courses – practical programs to help carers balance responsibilities and build resilience.

• Financial assistance – information on support programs and bursaries, including specific help for young carers.

• Tailored support packages – services such as transport, cleaning, or equipment to ease the load of day-to-day caring.

• Resources and extras – including the Carer Conversations podcast and how to make an emergency care plan.

The guide also answers frequently asked questions, outlines how to get started, and provides direct contact information so families can connect with Carer Gateway services in their local area.

Explore the guide

You can access the Guide to Carer Gateway Services in our Resource Hub here.

We encourage you to share this guide with any defence and veteran family members who are in a caring role. By increasing awareness of the support available, we hope to make it easier for carers to stay informed, connected and supported.

The post Introducing our Guide to Carer Gateway Services first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

If you are providing ongoing support to a loved one whether a spouse, parent, friend or relative, you may be a carer, even if you don’t yet identify with that label. Many people gradually take on caregiving responsibilities without even realising. If you are helping someone with a disability, chronic illness or mental health condition, recognising yourself as a carer is the first step in accessing important resources and support available for your wellbeing. 

What it means to be a carer  

Being a carer involves much more than occasional help. It means providing ongoing assistance to someone who can no longer manage certain tasks independently. This might involve helping with personal care such as bathing or dressing, managing medications or assisting with transportation.  

For carers of veterans or war widows, there may also be responsibilities associated with managing mental or physical health challenges that arise from Defence service. The care you provide could be full-time or just a few hours each day, but it’s the regular and consistent nature of your involvement that defines you as a carer.  

Carers often fall into their role gradually, as the needs of their loved one increase over time. In other cases, a sudden illness or injury puts someone into the role unexpectedly. Regardless of how it happens, many carers don’t view themselves as such, because they see their actions as simply fulfilling familial/social roles as a loved one. However, identifying as a carer can be an empowering realisation, allowing you to reach out for the support you deserve.  

Why it matters  

Recognising yourself as a carer is an important step toward accessing support. This is especially critical when caring for veterans who may have complex medical or psychological needs. As a carer, you can tap into a wide range of services designed to ease your responsibilities.  

For instance, carers of the elderly can find themselves juggling multiple emotional, physical, and practical duties. Identifying as a carer allows you to access government and non-government support programs, financial assistance, emotional and peer support, all of which can help prevent burnout and ensure you are caring for yourself as well as your loved one.  

If you think you might be a carer, take a moment to reflect on the support you provide and consider how identifying as a carer could benefit you and your loved one. Whether it’s accessing resources, connecting with a support network, or simply recognising the significance of your role, taking this step can make a meaningful difference to your wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local services or community groups to learn more about the help available because caring for yourself is just as important as caring for others. 

What’s next after taking the first step of identifying as a carer? To reach out for support and find resources that resonate with you and your current situation contact the social work and wellbeing team on 02 9265 6577 or wellbeing@fov.org.au.  

Visit carergateway.gov for access to carer specific resources and further information on how to be prepared, find support, and connect and develop as a carer. 

The post Understanding the role of a carer first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.