The Carer Life Course is a new program being offered by Carers Australia.

It identifies six phases of caring that most carers go through, and provides information, support and resources.

The Carer Life Course can help break down common feelings of isolation and fear by providing a map of what other carers have gone through.

If you are a carer, you may feel your own needs get lost in the caring role. You may feel you need support, and don’t know where to turn – and it’s always a relief when you know you’re not the only one going through this.

Whether you are a working carer, parent, spouse or partner, child, sibling or service provider for someone needing care, you can find information, support and resources here to help.

A summary of the six phases of caring are:

Phase 1: Something is wrong

You become aware that something is not quite right with the person needing care, or you may be aware of the illness or condition, but not yet understand it or how to respond.
Phase 1: Something is wrong fact sheet (pdf)

Phase 2: Confirmation

A doctor or health care professional confirms something is not right, and you learn the extent of the illness or condition.
Phase 2: Confirmation fact sheet (pdf)

Phase 3: Adjusting

The initial shock wears off and you begin to adjust and readjust your life to meet the needs of caring.
Phase 3: Adjusting fact sheet (pdf)

Phase 4: Managing

You learn how to incorporate the carer role into your everyday life, having more experience with the illness or condition and its course in treatment or recovery.
Phase 4: Managing fact sheet (pdf)

Phase 5: Purposeful coping

While you still face the same issues as Phases 3 and 4, you have more knowledge and skills. Your carer role is now proactive and purposeful.
Phase 5: Purposeful coping fact sheet (pdf)

Phase 6: End of caring role

Your caring role ends as a result of decisions made by yourself, the person needing care, or because of that person’s death. While the caring role ends, this doesn’t represent the end of the impact of caring.
Phase 6: End of caring role fact sheet (pdf)

For more information view the Carer Life Course interactive program visit:

http://www.carerlifecourse.com.au/