30 Aug 2022
Caring for a loved one with serious illness
Looking after a family member living with a chronic or serious illness can be emotionally challenging.
If you ever find yourself in that situation, you should know that help is available for you.
Practical tips to help you as a carer
There are some things you can do to ensure that you’re in the best position to care for someone long-term. These are:
• Plan ahead – learn about your loved one’s illness. Speak to a health professional to understand the prognosis of the person you’re caring for. This can help you anticipate their needs and make you feel more capable and in control
• Research financial entitlements – your loved one may have some insurance in place to help them if they are diagnosed with a serious illness or unable to work, which can help ease the financial burden. You may also be entitled to government payments depending on your situation.
• Communicating with family and friends – lot of difficulties arise in this situation because people don’t know what’s going on, they don’t know how to react, how to talk to you or the person you’re caring for
• Focus on your relationship with your loved one – if you can, do activities you enjoy together. Cherish the here and now as much as possible. Take one day at a time. Revisit memories of happy times you’ve shared and focus on the positive, talking about their hopes and dreams
• Talk flexible work options with your employer – you might need to take carer’s leave or even work part-time while you offer support as a carer. Talk to your employer so your work arrangements don’t add extra stress on your carer responsibilities.
Take care of yourself
Caring for someone with a serious illness may be stressful and looking after yourself during this time is also important.
• Manage your own feelings – understand that you’ll feel a range of emotions that can be overwhelming. Be kind to yourself. Accept your thoughts and feelings without judging them
• Seek help from friends and family – you may need a break or someone to run an errand, or your loved one might appreciate a visit or an outing. Rely on your support network
• Take a break at least once a day – read a book, go for a walk, or meditate. Find and practice whatever it is that refreshes you.
Get professional help
You can find more caregiving advice and support, including information about physical care for your loved one and guidance for taking care of yourself via the Services Australia website. Dealing with a serious illness or injury is hard enough without having to worry about the financial burden. To discuss your insurance needs and available options, please get in touch with an advisor at PSK.
Any advice is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your needs, objectives or financial situation. Before acting on it you should consider its appropriateness for you, having regard to those factors.
©TAL Services Ltd
If you have any questions or your personal circumstances have changed please do not hesitate to contact your financial adviser.
Any advice included in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it’s appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs.
