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NikNikSenior Contributor
For some, the term 'carer' can feel uncomfortable - they are a mother, husband, friend or sibling, whose loved one happens to have a mental illness.
For others, the term 'carer' resonates with them
How does the label of 'carer' sit with you?
Join us from 7pm AEDT to share your opinion.
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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
NikNikSenior Contributor
In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
NikNikSenior Contributor
I'm really keen to hear from you guys about our forum name - "Carers Forum"
If people that we define as 'carers' potentially don't like the label carers, how else could we refer to this group?
In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
MazaritaSenior Contributor
As someone with mental illness, I admire the sensitive way this is being discussed. I'm not personally a fan of the term carer. I don't have a preference for other terms. I prefer to call my long time friend and flatmate 'companion'. He does care for me too in material ways (eg. doing shopping and cooking). But I am improving over time slowly and now take on more of our shared domestic tasks than previously, when I was more acutely ill. In most othr ways we are independent, including financially. Each situation seems unique.
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
AdgeSenior Contributor
My family refers to my brother's carers as carers.
He is blind & intellectually disabled (from birth).
Mum referred to herself as Dad's Carer, but mainly for government purposes (I think). Although that may have also been how she saw her role.
They did not live together, they were separated for 8 years before Dad died.
Adge
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
AdgeSenior Contributor
Has everyone disappeared?
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
NikNikSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
SmcSenior Contributor
Hi Peoples.
I've got a few thoughts.
When I first applied for Centrelink Carer's $$$, I commented to my doctor that I felt odd about getting money for it, but she was very emphatic that I was "worth" the money, because otherwise they would need to pay professionals to do the same job. Said professionals wouldn't be on call at odd times either. So what we're doing, by any name, is irreplaceable.
I'm now not "officially" a carer, because my parents are in aged care, and our daughter is living with her brother- supposedly independently, but in reality she gets a lot of help and support from him and from my hubby and I. She's found it confronting having to realise how much support she's getting from others. Needing a carer has an implication of lost freedom, and I think that's why it's not a popular term, even though it's an accurate one.
Not having the title does possibly make things harder. I'm not automatically pointed in the direction of carer support systems, although they'd probably welcome me in if I asked. I don't meet the eligibility requirements for the Carer Card, and the travel vouchers I used to get through that were helpful for, guess what, caring... (My parents live 400 kms away and even though they get their day to day needs looked after in the aged care home, I'm the one doing most of the house sorting so it can be sold, the financial management, and it's often me having to deal with social and medical issues that come up.)
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
DeterminedSenior Contributor
still here @Adge
Kiddies bed time so in the middle of sorting that out.
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
AdgeSenior Contributor
Well, I think whatever term people are most comfortable with is best @NikNik
I'm not sure what that term is.
I prefer the term Carer (over Support Worker), because I think it describes better what people are doing (or their role).
If it's a personal relationship, then I can understand why people would prefer "Husband", "Wife" etc - because that describes best how they see their relationship.
I cannot think of any better titles to suggest for the forum, perhaps others can...
Adge
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
NikNikSenior Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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