Carer Gateway

What support is available for carers?

Tailored support packages

Tailored support packages provide short‑term, practical help based on a carer’s situation. These are not cash payments. Carer Gateway organises and pays for specific services that reduce pressure on carers.

Supports may include:

• Planned or emergency respite, so carers can take a break, attend that wedding, or do a planned event
• Help with cleaning, cooking or shopping
• Transport to medical or essential appointments
• Education or training support, including equipment for work or study

Support depends on need and local availability. Packages can be reviewed if circumstances change.

Counselling for carers

Free counselling is available with qualified counsellors. Sessions may be delivered in person, by phone or online.

Counselling can support carers managing:

• Stress and fatigue
• Changes in family or partner relationships
• The emotional impact of Parkinson’s

Carer coaching

Carer coaching offers practical, one‑to‑one support. Coaching focuses on problem‑solving, planning and balancing caring with work, study and family responsibilities.

Peer support groups

Peer support groups connect carers with others who support someone living with Parkinson’s or another long‑term condition. Groups may be online or face‑to‑face and can reduce isolation.

Emergency respite

Emergency respite provides short‑term support if a carer becomes suddenly unable to provide care due to illness, injury or another unexpected event. This service is for urgent situations.

Financial counselling & employment support

Carer Gateway can connect carers with financial counselling and employment support. These services can help carers think through income changes, employment decisions and future planning.

How do I access supports?

How to access Carer Gateway

1. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
   You can also register online or request a call back at carergateway.gov.au
2. Register as a carer with your local service provider
3. Take part in a support planning conversation
4. Access agreed supports organised for you
5. Contact Carer Gateway again if your situation changes

You do not need a referral from a health professional. See more here https://www.carergateway.gov.au/about-us/access-carer-gateway-services

How Carer Gateway fits with other systems

Carer Gateway supports people in caring roles.

Other systems support your loved one living with Parkinson’s:

• NDIS for people under 65 who meet eligibility requirements
• My Aged Care (Support at Home) for people aged 65 and over
• Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans
• Health system e.g. (GPs mental health plans, chronic disease management plan, CAPS, etc.)
• Support organisations, like your local state or territory Parkinson’s organisation

These systems can be used at the same time. Carer Gateway staff can help explain how supports work together.

Centrelink payments for carers

Some carers may be eligible for payments through Services Australia:

• Carer Payment, for carers whose caring role limits paid employment
• Carer Allowance, a supplementary payment that can be paid alongside work

These payments are separate from Carer Gateway services. Carer Gateway staff can provide guidance on where to start.

Carer recognition & rights

The Carer Recognition Act 2010 formally recognises carers and outlines how Australian Government agencies should consider carers in policy and service delivery. While it does not create individual legal rights, it can support carers when advocating for fair access to services, education and employment.

You do not need to wait until things are ‘bad’

Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, so caring responsibilities often increase over time.

Many carers delay seeking support because they believe their situation is not “bad enough” or that others need help more. Carer Gateway is available earlier, before carers reach burnout.

If someone supports a person living with Parkinson’s, they may be eligible. Contact Carer Gateway.

Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your needs. Look to:

• getting a GP referral for a mental health plan for yourself
• your state-based Parkinson’s organisation for advice on carer support groups
• Ask Izzy https://askizzy.org.au/ to search for local services to access
• private health to see what is covered in relation to consultations and expenses
• DVA, NDIS or My Aged Care (Support at Home) plan supports for your loved one with Parkinson’s.

If you are feeling in need support, you can contact the following services:

• Carer Gateway: (8am to 5pm) 1800 422 737
• Lifeline: (24 hours) 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: (24 hours) 1300 224 636
• SANE Australia: (10am-10pm, Mon-Fri) 1800 187 263
• Emergency respite: If you suddenly find you can’t provide care, for example if you become ill or injured, call Carer Gateway for emergency respite: 1800 422 737 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

Specialist support services:

• 13YARN Service providing culturally safe crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Call 13 92 76, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit 13YARN.
• QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia. Call 1800 184 527, open 3pm to midnight, every day or visit QLife – Support and Referrals.
• Open Arms Veterans and Family Counselling for a carer of a veteran, or a veteran who is a carer, you can contact Open Arms to find out what support and services are available for you or your loved ones. Call on 1800 011 046 or visit Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling.
• eheadspace is a national online and phone support service for young people between 12 and 25. Available 9am – 1am AEST every day. Call 1800 650 890 or visit Online & phone support | headspace.