Charmaine Became a Carer at 21. Afford Supports Carers of Individuals with Disability during National Carers Week

Australian not-for-profit disability provider, Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability), runs a Carer Support program to support the wellbeing of parents and carers of individuals with disability as part of the organisation's whole-of-life approach to disability supports. This week, National Carers Week (11-17 October 2020), Afford encourages all Australians to recognise and appreciate the valuable contribution of carers in the community.

At just 21 years of age, Charmaine became the full-time carer of her older sister, Monique, who lives with intellectual disability. For the past five years, Charmaine has been Monique’s daily support for bathing, meal preparation and getting out and about. 

Charmaine put her studies for a career in aged care on hold, after study and work became too difficult when coupled with caring for her sister. Not wanting to rely on friends or family to care for Monique, Charmaine turned to Afford’s Short Term Accommodation (respite) services in Lakemba, St Marys and Eschol Park for weekend breaks to give her time to catch up with friends or take on extra shifts at work. 

Charmaine is one of the many unpaid carers who go above and beyond to care for a loved one with disability.

There are around 2.7 million carers across Australia who provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, alcohol, or other drug issue or who are aged(1). 
 

Afford’s Carer Support Program provides parents and carers with opportunities to participate in social outings with others who share similar life experiences. Outings include everything from lunch and spa days through to evenings out at cabaret shows at the theatre.

“Afford recognises the physical and emotional challenges faced by many carers and families supporting an individual with disability. Through our Carer Support program, we aim to encourage time for carer wellbeing through events and respite options, so they can be the best carer for their loved one,” said Jessica Scicluna, Events Coordinator – Carer Events. 

“Our Carer Events give everyone the chance to share the tough times and the triumphs and help them draw strength from others to continue their role as carers.”

Afford offers Short Term Accommodation to provide give individuals living with disability a chance to take time out from the everyday and explore their interests in a supportive environment. Short Term Accommodation for individuals with disability also provides respite for families and carers to catch up on other aspects of their lives or simply take time to care for their own wellbeing.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for 68 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day.

As one of Australia’s longest-serving not-for-profit disability organisations, Afford goes above and beyond traditional service offerings to adapt to new operating environments to support individuals achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS.

For more information visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673. 

ENDS

Media Contact: Maria Crema: Crema PR m 0402 239 929 e maria@cremapr.com.au 

About Afford - www.afford.com.au

The Australian Foundation for Disability is a registered charity providing disability services to thousands of people across Australia. The supports provided by Afford include Shared Living; Overnight Respite; Social and Community Programs; Transition to Work Programs; Transition to Retirement Programs; Carer Support; Disability Employment Services; Supported Employment; Allied Health Support, Support Coordination and Supported Holidays.

Sources:

(1) Carers Australia NSW