5 reasons why carers don't ask for help

3 minute read

We know that carers cope best when they have help and support. In Australia, there are many services and supports ready to help you and the person you care for.

But we also know that many carers don’t ask for help.

The most common reasons carers don’t ask for help

In talking to carers, we have found some common themes about why carers don’t ask for help.

The 5 most common reasons that carers don’t ask for help are:

  • no time – carers can find it very hard to find time to learn about services that might help them. Although things have become easier because information is now available online, it still takes time to search for what you need
  • not knowing there is help – many carers simply don’t know what help is out there, or they only know one small part of what is out there. There are hundreds of services, programs and schemes available to help carers, run by government, private and community organisation
  • thinking they are not a carer – many carers don’t think of themselves as a carer, just as a person looking after someone close to them. We think these hidden carers are often in the most need of support, because they don’t know they should even be looking for help
  • pride – when someone needs care, it can sometimes be hard to ask for help. Many people don’t like to admit they need help. Sometimes, it is the person being cared for who doesn’t want to ask for help, because they don’t want to seem weak or needy
  • privacy – some people don’t like to share their own affairs with other people. This can be especially true in regional or remote areas, where private information can spread easily.

Sound like you?

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, it’s important to realise that help may only be a phone call away. Taking the time to find out more can make your life much easier.

You can access Carer Gateway services in a number of ways, including by phone and online.

By calling 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm and selecting option 1, you can speak with your local Carer Gateway service provider. They will talk you through the registration process and start the planning process. This process helps our staff learn more about you and your caring role so they can match services to your individual needs.

You can also ask someone to call you back at a convenient time.

Ask for a call back

Think about what would help you in your caring role, and explore the website to find out what help is available.

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