The fortunate reality of being a fulltime carer and an advocate is I am facing some of the many challenges that carers in general experience each and every day: the highs, the lows, the frustration, the despondency, the stress, the mental angst, the physical exhaustion, the financial burdens and all of the family dilemmas that go along with it.
Living the dream, so to speak; or as for some, the nightmare.
Yes, I too feel like I am banging my head against a well when it comes to dealing with politicians, government agencies, carer support organisations, bureaucrats, paid support workers, and family members too.
If the government was serious about recognising our efforts they would respect us first as the stalwarts of the aged care, health and disability sectors, because without us these sectors would collapse.
Rest assured there are carers out there with lived experience fighting the fight for the benefit of all.
To coincide with the launch of National Carers Week, a group of us and our supporters took to the streets of Toowoomba (Queensland) to draw attention to the plight and struggles of unpaid caregivers.
We challenged the public to ‘Walk in the Shoes of an Unpaid Carer’ as we carted loads of shoes about town and handed out information brochures to the cheers and support of onlookers.
We rallied for recognition and remuneration, and we drew the attention of the media too.
If the government was actually listening to us, then we wouldn’t have to resort to protesting and petitions.
Now I’d like to take this opportunity to thank The Senior newspaper for covering our Toowoomba Carer's Rally and reporting on this Petition in their Queensland state November Edition; p6.
Full story HERE.
And special thanks to the Australia Carers Guide for its continued support.
The Australian Carers Guide is a quarterly publication packed full of helpful advice, practical information, personal stories, recipes, puzzles and, sometimes entertaining content all in one easy-to-read magazine. And best of all, it is FREE TO DOWNLOAD!
Subscribe to their FREE quarterly magazine HERE.