COVID-19 Resources for Carers
Information for anyone caring for a person at end of life during COVID-19 pandemic
CarerHelp Resources
CarerHelp has produced some specific factsheets to support carers looking after someone with palliative care needs during this pandemic.
Factsheets
Funerals and grieving during COVID-19 (pdf, 310kb)
This factsheet outlines current restrictions to funerals due to COVID-19 and social distancing. It also provides alternatives to a traditional funeral and tips to consider during bereavement during this time.
Using telehealth (pdf, 387kb)
Social distancing and self-isolation means that it may be harder to manage your health care. Recent changes have meant that telehealth is now widely used across Australia to support the community during COVID-19.
Can I trust this information? (pdf, 312kb)
With endless amounts of information on the internet, it’s important to be able to identify trustworthy, high quality content.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new virus that has similar symptoms to cold and flu.COVID-19 can affect your breathing and lungs. Some people become seriously ill with this virus.
People aged 70 years and over, people with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seem to be more likely to be susceptible to the infection. People who need palliative care should also be careful to avoid this infection.
COVID-19 has led to many changes in our community. To protect everyone in our community, all Australians need to:
- practise good hygiene
- practise social distancing
- follow the limits for public gatherings
- understand how to self-isolate if you need to
If you think that you may have COVID-19 infection you can use the Healthdirect Symptom Checker to find out if you need to contact your doctor or the hotline for advice.
Being a Carer
As a carer, COVID-19 may affect some of your activities. You should talk with your family and service providers to make sure that you have all the support you need.
Your health care team may also be starting to use telehealth to stay in touch and see how things are going. This is to help reduce the spread of infection in Australia.
The Australian Government has provided many resources and supports to help manage the impacts of COVID-19.
Carers can also find information and support through the Carer Gateway.