Caring for someone with Parkinson's

Carers play an important role in the care and support of someone with Parkinson’s. They are often partners and family members, but could also be friends or neighbours. Many carers who provide care and support will not view themselves as a “carer”. First and foremost they will view themselves as a wife, a husband, son, daughter or partner. The care they provide is unpaid.

This section contains resources to support you in your caring role:
Download an information sheet on caring for someone with Parkinson's here

You can find more information and links on the Help for Carers section of our Help Finder Website.

Carer's Australia has produced an excellent online resource called "Surviving the Maze" with over 60 fact sheets to assist carers to navigate the service system of community support.

Go to the Surviving the Maze web site.

 

Carer financial support

 

What is the Carer Allowance?

The Carer Allowance is a fortnightly payment paid to carers who provide daily care and attention for an adult who is frail aged or has a disability or severe medical condition.

The Carer Allowance is not subject to the Income and Assets Test and is not taxable. It may be paid in addition to a Carer Payment (see below) or another pension or benefit such as the Aged Pension.

 

What is the Carer Payment?

The Carer Payment is an income security payment paid to carers who are unable to support themselves through work, as a result of their caring role. People who receive a full or part Carer Payment get the same concessions as other pensioners, including the Health Concession Card.

The Carer Payment is means and assets tested. Not all carers are eligible for the Carer Allowance and/or Carer Payment.

For further information, to find out if you are eligible or to apply for the Carer Allowance or Carer Payment, contact Centrelink: 132 717.

 

Alternatively, contact Carers Victoria who can also advise on applying and appealing decisions: 1800 242 636.

 

Victorian Government Carer Card Program

The Victorian Government Carer Card is a discounts and benefits card for unpaid carers in Victoria.

A collaboration of Government, Community and Business, has been established to provide recognition, understanding and support for carers throughout Victoria.

What is the Carer Card?

The Carer Card is a credit-card sized plastic card that will provide the holder with:

• Discounts on a range of government and community venues, activities, goods and services
• Discounts at over 700 participating private businesses
• Free travel on public transport on Sundays and travel vouchers for two free return off-peak trips within Victoria

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Carer Card an applicant must be:

• A resident of Victoria and a primary, unpaid carer of a person with a disability, a severe medical condition, or a mental illness, or who is frail aged or who is in need of palliative care. This care must be provided in the home of the person requiring care.

• A Centrelink payment or allowance recipient

• A foster, respite, kinship or permanent carer in receipt of a DHS reimbursement payment.

• A kinship carer.

Carers applying for a Carer Card must complete an application form and establish their eligibility in one of the following ways:

• Provide their Centrelink Reference Number if they receive Centrelink Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, or
• Provide their Department of Human Services (DHS) payment advice, if they are a DHS foster or respite carer, or
• Have a health professional sign their application form

How do I apply?

Click here to download an application form and to check out the directory of businesses offering discounts.

Alternatively, you can request to be sent a form by calling 1800 901 958.