Next 6 - a next steps checklist for carers

Once you have some of the key supports in place, it’s a good idea to look around and see what else you can do or think about to make your life easier – both now and in the future.

Here are a few things for you to explore. Remember that there are many people and organisations that can help you. Click on the links to find out more information about step.

1. Find out what help you can get around the home

You don’t have to do everything yourself. You might find that a little help around the home – maybe with shopping, meals, cleaning or home repairs – will make your day-to-day life much easier. You might even find that home changes would help the person you care for to do more things independently.

2. Explore aids and equipment that could help you

Technology can help too. Many types of equipment can help you with moving, care or communication, such as a wheelchair, hoist, fall alarm or speech-generating device. You may be able to get advice and additional support for equipment to help you and the person you care for.

3. Find out what help you can get with transport

Getting around with the person you care for can be costly and hard. You may be able to get financial help with public transport and taxis, or to get to medical appointments. You could also use community transport services in your area.

4. Hold a family meeting

Family meetings can help you plan for the future. It’s a good idea to first talk with your doctor and other health professionals about what might happen over time with the person you care for. You can then hold a family meeting to work out what’s best for everyone and make decisions.

5. Help the person you care for to make an advance care plan

Advance care planning means talking to the person you care for about what care and health services they want in the future. It can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important to write down what they want so their wishes can be followed – even if they become too sick to make decisions or tell you what they want.

6 Make a will

As a carer, you may need to plan for the end of life for the person you care for. Both you and the person you care for should each have a will. A will lets others know what you would like to happen after you die. You should get legal help to write a will.