Recognising carers in our communities

This National Carers Week (11–17 October), WA Country Health Service is recognising the incredible work of carers and celebrating the invaluable contribution they make to individuals, families and communities.

Across Western Australia, around 320,000 people provide care to a family member or friend.

This year’s theme, Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible, shines a light on the invaluable contribution of carers and encourages all Australians to recognise, support and thank carers in their families, workplaces and communities.

Our organisation is committed to supporting staff who take on caring responsibilities, whether that’s looking after someone with a disability or someone facing physical or mental health challenges.

Five WA Country Health Service sites are also part of the Prepare To Care Hospital Program (PTC), which provides information and support to family members and friends who will provide ongoing care to their loved ones.

Acting Manager Patient Experience and Consumer Engagement Tina Pendlebury said initiatives that support carers help us better recognise and respond to their needs.

“Having programs like PTC help us recognise carers as important partners in caring for patients and ensuring they have access to information and support when they need it,” she said.

“Carers Week is important because it shines a light on unpaid workers within our community who provide essential support for daily living activities, managing medications, as well as emotional and social support.”

Earlier this year, WA Country Health Service was recognised as a Carer Friendly Employer. The Level 1 Activate accreditation reflects our organisation’s commitment to supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

Carers play an essential role in the lives of people they care for, so we want to take the opportunity to thank all carers across country WA for their dedication and contribution to caring for country communities.