Services and Support

There are links here to practical resources and services that may help.

Legal and advance care planning resources

Carer Gateway: Provides information on legal matters including privacy and confidentiality
Office of the Public Advocate (VIC): Enduring powers of attorney
Carers Victoria: Guardianship and Administration applications in hospital (1.61MB pdf)
The Advance Care Planning Australia website provides information and resources to support advance care planning in Australia.

Practical help and equipment

Carers Victoria has produced a leaflet on aids and equipment (77kb pdf)
The Department of Veterans Affairs has produced a substantial guide Back to basics: handy hints for carers to help prevent back injuries
As part of the National Continence Program a booklet on Caring for someone with bladder or bowel problems (2.59MB pdf) has been produced. This has several useful sections on managing at home, getting out and costs and products
The Independent Living Centres Australia have a searchable database of products and equipment that can make caring easier
Many of the services who provide practical help can be found in the CareSearch State Resources pages.

Family carer resources

Carer Gateway: National online and phone service includes practice information and support services for carers
Carers NSW Carer resources
Emergency planning information can be found at the Carers Victoria website
The NSW Government has produced a booklet: Walking with Carers in NSW (1.63MB pdf)
Caregivers Library: Appointment Information (54kb pdf)
Caregivers Library: Needs assessment worksheet (180kb pdf)
GatherMyCrew helps families to coordinate care at times of need.

Medicines

The National Prescribing Service (NPS) have information on keeping a medicines list that can be used to keep track of medication
The Better Health Channel has a sheet on side effects (91kb pdf) of medication
The search the PBS drug list information may be helpful
The PBS has a PBS Safety Net Scheme that many people are eligible for
Centrelink has a Pharmaceutical Allowance scheme
The Canadian Virtual Hospice has information on help with medications
The Caregivers Library has a weekly medicine chart (40kb pdf) that could be helpful

Transport

There are many community based transport services. Your health professional or your local council may have information about what is in your area. You and the person you are caring for can travel together. Fees are based on income.

Taxi companies can provide vehicles if you are disabled (including wheelchairs). You will need to book in advance. All Australian states and territories have taxi subsidy schemes. These are for people with a disability who cannot use public transport. Speak to your GP about this.

The Austroads website has information on Assessing Fitness to Drive.

Disability stickers

Reserved car park spaces are sometimes available for the disabled. These are helpful if walking is difficult. Having this can help you to continue to go out. This could be to the shops, the cinema, a sporting event, a concert, the park or the beach.

You will need to apply to obtain a disability sticker. Your doctor needs to sign the form. This could be your GP, the doctor at the hospital or your specialist. The forms are available from motor vehicle registration departments (the forms may also be available on their website). Your GP practice may also have them.

Rural patients' travel assistance schemes

All states and territories have some form of transport and accommodation assistance. These schemes may help if you live in rural areas to access specialist medical services. They may provide you with financial help for the cost of travel and accommodation. Ask your healthcare team about this scheme.

State based assistance schemes

State based transport schemes and their costs:

Taxi fare subsidy scheme

Last updated 31 March 2021