New project supporting palliative carers

Published October 18 2024

A new program is delivering sensitive and timely supports to carers of people receiving palliative care.

Caring for someone who is living with a serious illness that cannot be cured can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. It can also feel isolating, but carers are not alone!

Now, palliative carers can access quick and free supports through Carer Gateway, including home and facility-based respite support, personal care assistance, domestic assistance, community access transport and support with meals.

We began the pilot Palliative Carer project earlier this year in response
to an increase in referrals to assist carers looking after people who are palliating. Support is delivered in a flexible and caring way by a dedicated team member.

Carer feedback shows the program’s value. “Everyone at your organisation has been wonderful. The help was so needed and the whole experience of asking for help was just fantastic – thank you so much.”

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. Merri Health leads the delivery of Carer Gateway services in Victoria.

Read more about our Carer Gateway Services here.