COVID nursing home rescue carer supported by Carer Gateway

Published October 22 2020

COVID nursing home rescue carer supported by Carer Gateway

Clip 9 News Gippsland

Carer Gateway, an initiative of the Australian Government, began this year as a free service delivery model designed by carers, for carers – to help them get the support they need early, before reaching this crisis point. Launching just before to the pandemic, Carer Gateway has been instrumental in supporting Victorian carers during lockdown this year.

One of which is Rita Ramsey, 63, from Gippsland who sought their support to help move her 93-year-old mother out of a retirement village into her home. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Rita chose to care for her mum from home as outbreaks in aged care homes were on the rise. Initially, Rita found the transition to full-time carer difficult, with limited information, support and resources available.

“When we first picked mum up, we were asked to find support services ourselves. We didn’t know what we had to do or where to go and the pandemic meant that they were very restricted. In fact a lot of the local council services like Home Care were suspended and many weren’t hiring out equipment,” Rita said. Through the support provided by local Carer Gateway service provider Uniting, Rita soon found the help she needed.

“We were so stressed in the first few weeks and it has definitely been a learning curve. Becoming a carer has been mentally and physically draining. I’m lucky to have my husband’s support caring for my mum.

Without Carer Gateway we would not have been able to access the equipment we need to support mum, but also having someone to call up when we need help and get their opinion and support to build our confidence as carers. They even offer support for life outside of caring, helping with our own health issues.

They understand what situation you’re in and it makes you feel more relaxed and at ease – it’s not so clinical. They’re always available to offer support, you can call up and get in touch about anything.

It’s like having my old mum back. When she was in the nursing home I didn’t recognise the person she was there. Now she’s back with us, she’s back to her old self. It’s a privilege to care and help my mum. She has always been a strong, independent woman and is the matriarch of our family.”