Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding yet demanding role—especially for young carers supporting veterans who have served. Many young people under 25 provide daily assistance to a parent, grandparent, or close family member who has served in the military. This might include helping with daily activities, assisting with appointments, or providing companionship and support at home.
Recognising the unique needs of carers, the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway provides a range of free services and resources to support young carers in their role at no cost. At Valentius, we support the work Carer Gateway does by ensuring that both carers and veterans have access to the healthcare they need.
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is a national support service designed to assist people who provide unpaid care for a loved one. Their services are free and available to all carers, including young people who support a veteran family member.
Through Carer Gateway, carers can access:
✅ Counselling and emotional support – One-on-one conversations with a professional who understands the challenges of caregiving.
✅ Financial support – Carer Gateway can also provide assistance with care-related costs such as day-to-day living expenses, groceries, fuel, etc.
✅ In-person peer support – The opportunity to connect with other young carers who share similar experiences.
✅ Facilitated coaching – Personalised guidance to help carers set and achieve their own goals while balancing their caregiving responsibilities.
✅ Carer-directed support – Practical resources and short-term respite to assist in caregiving duties.
✅ Emergency respite care – A crucial service that ensures loved ones are looked after if the carer is unable to provide support due to unforeseen circumstances.
✅ Assistance with Centrelink claims – Carer Gateway can assist with submitting claims to Centrelink regarding carer payments, allowances, supplements, medical equipment, and child disability allowance.
Carer Gateway plays a vital role in ensuring that young carers don’t have to navigate their responsibilities alone.
Why Carers Should Reach Out for Support
Caring for a veteran family member is an important role, but carers should also have access to support and resources to maintain their own well-being. Services like Carer Gateway ensure that carers can receive guidance, peer support, and practical assistance, while Valentius ensures that veterans and their carers have access to essential healthcare services.
Where to Find Support
📌 Carer Gateway – Visit Carer Gateway or call 1800 422 737 to access free carer support services.
📌 Valentius Healthcare – Contact Valentius to learn how we support veterans and their carers with accessible healthcare services.
Carers play a vital role in supporting their loved ones, and they deserve support too. Carer Gateway provides invaluable resources, and at Valentius, we are proud to support and amplify their efforts by ensuring that veterans and carers have access to the healthcare they need.
🔹 Need support? Contact Valentius today to learn more.
🔹 Know a young carer? Share this blog to help them access the resources available to them!