Carers Week: Millions of Reasons to Care
15-21 October 2023
In recognition of the Carers Australia national theme 'Millions of Reasons to Care', BrainLink will promote stories that showcase many of those reasons throughout the week.
BrainLink’s message is to take time out from your caring role, keep active and stay socially connected and we can help you do all of that.
Learn more about Carers Week
Gail's story
Hello fellow carers. My name is Gail and I have been caring for our son, Lachlan, since 2012. He is the youngest of our 3 sons. Lachlan fell from a balcony onto concrete and was rushed to The Alfred by ambulance on 30 October 2011. He sustained a severe brain injury, followed by a stroke soon after his admission to hospital. The damage impacted his visual field and he is now legally blind. Lachlan spent 2 months in The Alfred and 4 months in Royal Talbot. After 6 months he finally returned home.
Inevitably these events change all the parameters and relationships in your life. We were very lucky to have our second son still living with us at home for the first few years of Lachlan’s recovery. He provided great support as we struggled to find the right pathways to move Lachlan forward.
I was studying and working part time when the accident occurred. Both those commitments continued while he was being cared for in The Alfred/Royal Talbot, but once Lachlan returned home my focus was solely on his recovery. With no prior knowledge or experience, the caring role can be very challenging and the emotional toll is significant. There’s no quick fix for severe injuries and fatigue often becomes an additional issue to deal with.
I am incredibly lucky to have amazing friends who rallied around me. In those early days when our world was upside down, they whisked me away on two occasions for a few days break in nature. This could not have happened without the support of my husband and we’ve done our best to work together throughout our son’s recovery. To Lachlan’s credit, he persevered with therapies (including homework) even though they were difficult and sometimes painful….and I picked up some new swearwords along the way!
Lachlan has now secured a job 4 days a week and is rising to the challenges this presents. This outcome was unimaginable 12 years ago. Never give up hope. Given the right supports, the body’s ability to recover is remarkable.
If you’re new to the caring role:
- Be gentle with yourself, this is a big readjustment in your life.
- Accept offers of help from friends/family , especially if they give you a break from your caring role.
- Self-care is important, you are now a vital resource for the family member or person you care for.
- Keep your ear to the ground for strategies/treatments other carers have found useful.
- If possible spend some time in nature, it’s a rejuvenating experience.
- Restful sleep, diet and exercise all help to maintain your health. I know, easier said than done!
Millions of Reasons to Care
During National Carers Week (15-21 October 2023), BrainLink has arranged a variety of activities and events with guest speakers, providing the chance to meet up with other carers and learn along the way.
Keep up with this week's activities.
Find out more