Meet Carer Gateway Consultant – SOFIA
Why did you join Your Side?
I joined Your Side because deep down I enjoy helping and working with people from diverse cultures. At Your Side we have a holistic person-centered care approach. This is used in how we support our carers. Being a carer means I can relate and understand the complexity of the role.
What is your favourite thing about working with and for carers?
My favourite part is hearing the carers’ story and the journey each one had. The love and dedication I hear from each carer in supporting their loved ones leaves me speechless. I am honoured to work with carers and step in when they need support so they can focus on themselves.
In your experience where do you think carers need the most support?
In my experience I believe carers need support with navigating long term support service like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care (MAC) and the general health system. I do understand the carers frustration dealing with the Government body. I do think that carers always put themselves last and that could lead to burn out. It’s important for carers to put themselves first and then help the person they are caring for – “put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others”.
How do you think the Carer Gateway improves care and wellbeing of carers?
Many carers felt rejuvenated and recharged after attending the Carer Gateway retreats and walked away with close friendships. We have an abundance of person-centered care for carers to focus on their goals, and having the opportunity to speak with a professional counsellor and work on their areas of concern has been very productive. We also have Peer Support and many courses that help carers gain a better understanding of their role.
Can you give us an example of a carers good news story?
A carer had not slept for the past 3 days and called through in an emergency to have some respite. We were able to step in and give her a good night sleep – something she hadn’t had in a very long time. She was so grateful for the support. Later when she was getting back into the routine of having proper sleep and time to herself, we connected her with the counselling team work on a long-term support service for both her parents.
Is there a personal experience with carers that you would like to share? Or do you have a lived experience?
I would say as a carer the journey is never the same and you have days which are fantastic and other days that you are just trying to stay afloat. Being a carer gives you resilience and a drive to always be prepared for the next step and plan for the future. I guess most carers never do ask for help, but now working in this sector I know that asking for help is such an important part of giving yourself a break and looking after your own mental health.
