Social worker with St Vincent’s Outreach Service in Bathurst, Steve Walls, said that that there were three aspects of the service that carers could utilise.

“We offer a carer counselling service for those that care for elderly people with chronic health conditions, a dementia advisory service and monthly carers meetings,” he said.

Carers of elderly people often do so alone, and with limited support, a situation that Mr Walls seeks to address.

“Often carers can become isolated and burnt out, but they feel that they need to keep going, so carers don’t always get the opportunity to talk to somebody, other than family, who can offer an objective perspective on what’s happening to somebody.”

Mr Walls said the individual, personal interviews offered by the service will allow people the freedom and confidentiality to speak freely about their circumstances.

“We can acknowledge what they’re feeling at times and whether they’re anger, frustration or guilt and put them in touch with relevant agencies,” he said, “but every carer faces different problems, either getting to appointments, if it’s dementia that’s the issue, supervision, medications, meals and if the dementia or chronic health issues are significant, often times it can mean 24/7 care.”

Group discussions with other carers is also part of the service that Mr Walls offers and depending on the individual carer, the group sessions are often of significant benefit to carers.

“By hearing and being acknowledge by other people in the group people often feel heard and listened to and that’s what helps them keep going,” he said. “Outside of the groups we see friendship and support develop amongst the carers and that’s what makes the group sessions so successful,” he said.

Individual sessions are available on the last Tuesday of every month and appointments can be made by calling the Aged Care Team on 6332 8963