National Carers’ Week 19-25 October – ‘because I care’

Prime Minister (PM), Mr Kevin Rudd, Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Ms Jenny Macklin, have celebrated the launch of  National Carers’ Week which runs from 19 – 25 October.

Officially launched by Mr Rudd, this year’s theme for Carers Week is “…because I care”.

The Ministers announced a $12 million national grants program to improve respite services for carers in their communities.

“This is about allowing carers to have time to themselves or get a much needed break as they give so much to others,” the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said.

Almost 2.6 million Australians provide care for family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged.

Of these about 500,000 are primary carers – the people who provide the most care.

“Carers across this nation play an important role in Australian society.

They dedicate so much to improve the quality of others lives,” Mrs Elliot said.

There are currently more than 600 communitybased respite services for Australian carers.

Community based respite services are funded to provide respite opportunities in a variety of settings.

In addition to the funding, Minister Elliot launched the new Carers Australia website and a book of stories told by carers who look after disabled and elderly people.

The book, because I care, has stories from carers in a variety of personal and family situations

 “There is no greater way to educate than through the first hand experience.

“I thank the contributors and I am honoured to launch this valuable resource,” Mrs Elliot said.