We spoke to Adelaide about life caring for both her husband who has leukaemia and her daughter who has autism.
Adelaide says she became a carer three years ago after her daughter, Aada, 6, was diagnosed with autism. Adelaide was already caring for her husband, who had been diagnosed with leukaemia and has other health problems, but it was only a year after Aada had been diagnosed, in 2018, that she realised her role as a full-time carer for her family.
To Adelaide, caring for her husband and daughter is not something she saw as a job or role, she says: “The caring role is something I love to do, it’s not just a need.”
But being a carer has come with its challenges for Adelaide and her family. She has faced difficulties financially and emotionally as she struggled with understanding the responsibilities that came with her role.
Adelaide says: “Looking after your family as a mother and wife as well as being their carer is difficult. You have to find the balance between the two. I also need financial support, especially as my husband had to stop working due to his illness, and I’ve struggled to find permanent work with my caring commitments.”
Before being introduced to Carers First, Adelaide wasn’t aware of financial help that was available to her or how to access it, but Carers First were able to assess her situation and provide support and advice relevant to her needs, including providing guidance with a grant application and help with writing a letter to prove her carer status.
Things have improved for Adelaide and her family since she has found support from Carers First.
“I’m really happy now and I know that anytime I need someone to talk to, they are there. I’ve For critical moments in my life Carers First have been there to help. They took it upon themselves to help in any way they could, even if that was just to help relieve my stress.” she says.
Finally, what advice would Adelaide give to other carers who are new to their role?
“Carers shouldn’t feel alone, there are lots of us around and there are people to support us. So, reach out for help if you need it. There’s always a place for them.”
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.