Carmen cares for Peter Mac’s carers
17 October 2024
Carmen Larkin cares for Peter Mac’s carers.
The nurse-turned-Carer Support Officer holds a dual role supporting the clinical care of patients on the bustling Ward 3A plus two days looking after carers and getting them the support they need in the Wellbeing Centre.
“The stats show that more than half of Australian carers have unmet needs,” Carmen explains.
“Whether it's financial difficulties or not enough emotional support, many carers are struggling in one way or another."
That’s where Carmen steps in – she’s there to direct them to the help they need, a friendly face and a point of contact while they navigate one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
“If you’re not well, how can you give the best care?” Carmen says. “It’s important for patients that carers look after themselves and not neglect their own needs.”
Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Carmen starts her day by reviewing new referrals in her inbox. She reaches out to each carer for a friendly chat to understand their needs, drawing on her nursing experience to help guide the conversation.
“I then develop individualised wellbeing plans and can refer them to other services like psychology or peer support for additional help if needed,” she explains.
“But we recognise that different things suit different people—peer support groups aren’t for everyone, and neither is psychology - that’s why we offer a range of things, like forest therapy and art therapy, to ensure everyone finds something that can help them."
Carmen says guilt is a common theme among carers, with many feeling they’re not doing enough, even when juggling multiple responsibilities such as work, children, and caregiving.
“The carer guilt can arise from the belief that they must always be strong and selfless, leaving little room to care for their own well-being,” Carmen says.
“Some also struggle with the guilt of feeling frustrated or overwhelmed – but it’s perfectly normal to feel like that.
“That’s why when carers get together in our carer’s support group, they hear that they’re not alone, that others are going through the same experiences.”
Peter Mac’s Carer Support Program plays a crucial role in providing this support, offering a variety of services aimed at enhancing carer wellbeing.
This program includes personalised support plans, psychological services, and peer support groups like the Carer’s Circle, ensuring that carers have access to the resources they need to effectively care for their loved ones while maintaining their own health.
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend, or loved one living with illness, disability, or other challenges - and National Carers Week is a time to recognise their immense contribution across the country.
For more information about the Carer Support Program, find out here.