When you’re younger most people don’t think about the need to care for others. But, the truth is that the average age of the population is increasing. It’s a mixture of reduced birth rates and better healthcare extending life. It’s estimated that over 2.5 million Australians are currently caring for a family member.
In short, most people will be faced with the dilemma of whether to care for a family member at home themselves or get them specialist help. In most cases, it comes down to practicality and costs.
It should be noted that choices are significantly more limited when the family member needing care is a child.
You’ll need to weigh up the cost of paying for care versus what you currently earn. If, as many people find, the cost is higher than your earnings then you are probably going to find the only option is to give up work and care for your loved one at home. That instantly puts a strain on your finances as you have less money coming in but need more.
It’s the reason why people ask if they can be paid to care for a family member.
The Short Answer
It is possible to be paid as a carer for a family member. However, there are different payments available depending on your situation.
- Carer Payment
If you look after someone who is considered frail aged, that’s an older person with medical issues, weakness, and an inability to do things for themselves, you’ll be entitled to the carer payment. This is a weekly payment to boost your income; You can also get this if you look after someone with a severe medical condition or anyone that is disabled.
- Allowance For Carers
Alongside the payment, you may be entitled to a carer allowance. This is given to people that give additional care to the frail aged or disabled person. It also applies if they have a severe medical condition.
It is possible to get both the payment and the allowance. Alongside this, you can work or study for up to 25 hours a week.
It’s worth noting that there is an additional payment if you look after a child with a disability.
Additional Help
The payments help you to afford everything and provide the best possible care to loved ones. But, you can’t do it alone and that’s where the NDIS provider Sydney steps in. They will help you create a safe and practical environment for any disabled person in your home. They can offer opportunities for disabled people to socialize and build skills to help them become more independent in the future.
They can assist in your home or at their centre.
At the same time, they provide a welcome and needed break for you as your loved one is in safe hands with them. It can give you the space you need to work, tidy, or simply have ‘me time’. That’s essential when you’re caring for others all the time.
Thomas Jackson is a dynamic and talented content writer at WonderWorldSpace.com, renowned for his engaging and informative articles. Beyond his professional pursuits in writing, Jack is also known for his deep passion for fitness, which not only shapes his lifestyle but also influences his work.