Healthdirect Australia has been working with the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) to develop a new service for carers in Australia. Launched in December, Carer Gateway is a great place for carers to start their search for information, support and services.
A carer is considered to be any person who looks after someone with a disability, chronic illness, dementia, mental illness or is frail aged. Some carers look after another person 24 hours a day and help with daily living activities. Other carers look after people who are mostly independent but need help with some everyday tasks.
Carer Gateway offers a website and phone service to help carers access practical information and resources to help them in their caring role. Carer Gateway is available via https://www.carergateway.gov.au or by phone 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm.
An important tool on the website is the service finder which is powered by Healthdirect Australia’s National Health Services Directory (NHSD). This service finder allows carers to source relevant local services in their area.
