Caring for a child

Carers can access Carer Gateway for services and support. Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and select option 1 to speak with your local service provider. Then explore our 10 tips about what you can do to make life easier if you are a carer and a parent.

1. Connect with other carers

You can talk with other carers through Carer Gateway, try our online community forum, or call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 to register and find a local support group.

2. Make an emergency care plan

An emergency care plan has all the information about the person you care for in one place. It makes it easy for someone to take over from you in a hurry, or if you need to talk with someone such as a health care professional.finan

3. Explore the payments you may be able to get

As a carer, you may be eligible for carer payments through Services Australia.

4. Get help at home

Your care role might leave you less time to do everything around the house, and you might need extra help at home. There are services that can help you, from providing meals to cleaning and making home repairs.

5. You can get advice and additional support for equipment or home changes to help you and the person you care for

You can get a wide range of equipment to help with moving, communicating with or looking after the person you care for. You can even make changes to your home to help them move around and do things for themselves.

6. Think about what legal arrangements you will need to make

You might need to appoint a guardian or power of attorney for your child. You will also need to make a will, to make sure they are cared for in the future.

7. Get tips on how to work with health services

If you care for a child with disability or a long-term condition, you will probably be working with health services. It’s useful to find out how to talk with health care professionals and plan for appointments.

8. Think about how things will change as your child grows

As your child gets older, there will be changes in their emotions and needs. You will also have to plan for their care when they leave school and as you get older.

9. Find out how you can combine working and caring

If you are still working, you might want to talk to your employer about your caring role and what changes might help you.

10. Find out what respite care you could get

Respite care means someone else looks after the person you care for while you have a break.