Calvary Health Care Bethlehem
Carer Support Program
Caring for someone else is a profound responsibility. Caring for yourself is essential. Reach out, stay connected, and know that support is available.
At Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, we know that carers are an essential part of the care team. Our clinicians are here to support you, not just the person you are caring for. Please speak with a member of our team if you have questions or need additional support.
We offer a range of services to help sustain you in your caring role:
Volunteer support
Support for Carers – Palliative Care Program
Bereavement support
Online bereavement group for carers
Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care to another person who may have:
- a disability
- a mental illness
- an ongoing medical condition
- or age-related care needs (Carers Recognition Act, 2012)
Carers play a vital role in supporting people living with frailty or a life-limiting condition. At the same time, carers often experience their own emotional, physical, and practical challenges. Many find it hard to ask for or accept help—yet carers need support too.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Why support matters
Support can come from many places: family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, sporting clubs, community groups, or professional services.
Every caring situation is unique, and building a network that works for you is important to help sustain you through the caring journey.
Accessing professional support
Carer support is available across Australia through the Commonwealth Carer Gateway, including:
- respite (taking a break)
- phone counselling
- online forums
- self-guided coaching
- skills courses
- information and resources
Call 1800 422 737 (Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm).
For support in your language, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (available 24/7 in over 160 languages).
Victorian Carer Gateway services by region:
Service | Service areas include: |
|---|---|
Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong, Frankston, Glen Eira, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip, Stonnington | |
Ararat, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Moorabool, North Grampians, Pyrenees, Warracknabeal, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack | |
Colac Otway, Corangamite, Greater Geelong, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians, Surf Coast, Queenscliff, Warrnambool | |
Bendigo, Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mildura, Mount Alexander, Swan Hill | |
Benalla, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Shepparton, Strathbogie | |
Uniting – Alpine, Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Boorondara, East Gippsland, Indigo, Knox, Latrobe, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, South Gippsland, Towong, Wellington, Whitehorse, Wodonga, Yarra Ranges | |
Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Moreland, Nilumbirk, Whittlesea, Yarra |
Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria provides additional support through:
- education sessions
- counselling
- information sheets for carers
Available Monday–Friday, 8.30 am–5.00 pm
Support for Carers Program – Victoria (SCP)
The SCP is a program funded by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and it provides tailored, flexible support based on a carer's individual needs and circumstances.
You can contact a local SCP provider directly. You don’t have to go through other avenues such as the Commonwealth Carer Gateway assessment to receive assistance.
Building your support network
Practical tools can help you identify and strengthen your support network:
- My Collaborative Care Plan (La Trobe University) – helps you and the person you care for map out people in your network who can provide support. Click here for more details.
- Gather My Crew – a free app that coordinates support from family, friends, and volunteers. In some areas, volunteers are available through Gather My Crew Connect. Click here for more details.
- Carer Cards – can be carried in your wallet/purse to alert others to your caring role in case of emergency, you can apply for one at carercard.vic.gov.au/carers.
Other carer support programs and services