Support for carers – with Ronnie Benbow
Carers, those extraordinary individuals who shoulder immense responsibilities, not only physically but emotionally as well. Chances are, you may know someone who is carer...
But what does it truly mean to be a caregiver? And do you know what kind of support is available for those caring for loved ones with disabilities or chronic illnesses?
One individual making a difference in the lives of unpaid family carers is trailblazer Ronnie Benbow OAM. Ronnie founded The Carers Foundation Australia in 2015 with husband Michael. It is a not-for-profit organisation providing unpaid family carers with unique wellbeing programs to support their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
In Episode Eleven of the WNA Trailblazers podcast, Ronnie shares her inspiring story and emphasises the importance of supporting these ‘unsung heroes’ in the community.
Caring for carers – The Carers Foundation Australia
The Carers Foundation Australia is the only charity in the country that provides unique wellbeing programs to support the emotional, physical and mental health of unpaid carers of all ages.
Led by Ronnie, her dedicated board and supported by a compassionate team of qualified therapists, counsellors and devoted volunteers, The Carers Foundation Australia lives and breathes their motto, “We care for carers.”
Anyone at anytime can become a carer
When we envision carers, we often think of individuals caring for their elderly loved ones. But the truth is, carers encompass people from all walks of life, regardless of age or background, and anyone at anytime can become a carer. In fact, children as young as eight can find themselves shouldering the responsibilities of caring for their parents or siblings. These carers provide care out of love and dedication, often unaware of the toll it takes on their own wellbeing until much later in life.
“The thing is most people are totally unaware that they exist. The people they see at work and at school have no idea of the sacrifices they’re making for their loved ones. These are the hidden heroes in our society, and they do what they do out of love. But at the end of the day, it can be detrimental to their own health,” says Ronnie.
The daily hidden struggle for carers
The challenges faced by carers are not limited to age but also encompass the complexities of their caregiving duties. In some cases, families find themselves caring for multiple children with disabilities, a situation that can be impossible to comprehend. These families are stretched to their limits, juggling numerous responsibilities and sacrificing their own needs for the sake of their loved ones. It is a selfless act driven by compassion, but one that can gradually consume the carer’s sense of self.
Compassion fatigue
Carers often reach a breaking point, both emotionally and physically, before seeking help and support. When carers consistently give love and care without taking care of themselves, they often feel completely overwhelmed. This can lead to a health crisis breakdown, as they find themselves on the edge of a precipice due to compassion fatigue.
Carers crisis: insufficient support for Australian carers
Millions of carers across Australia are facing a crisis due to inadequate government funding. They receive only $144.80 per fortnight in Carers Allowance, equating to just $10.34 per day or 43 cents per hour. Despite saving the economy over $85 billion annually, carers lack the physical, emotional, and mental support they need. Social isolation and limited government funding contribute to the challenges they face.
The Carers Foundation Australia is striving to bridge this gap and address the urgent need for better support. Recognising and assisting carers is essential to prevent them from experiencing health crisis breakdowns.
Join us in supporting The Carers Foundation Australia’s Unsung Heroes fundraising campaign. Your generous contributions will enable them to create a secure and purpose-built sanctuary for unpaid carers, providing a vital space for healing, preventing mental and health crises, and restoring their overall wellbeing. This 24/7 centre would be the first of its kind in Australia, exclusively designed to cater to the unique needs of carers.
You can also book tickets to The Carers Foundation Australia’s upcoming Unsung Heroes event raising much-needed funds to support the establishment of this centre.
To hear more insights into unpaid family carers and the incredible support of The Carers Foundation Australia connect with WNA Trailblazers LISTEN TO EPISODE 10 AND SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
