Peter didn’t realise he was a carer for his wife, Nell, until someone else pointed it out. He has been accessing support from Carer Gateway since January 2024 and says there’s real satisfaction in knowing someone’s got his back.
Peter and Nell are both in their early 80s. They married in 2007 and live independently together in Ballarat. They share a sense of humour and enjoy taking care of each other and spending time together at home. Nell enjoys cooking, and Peter is into handicrafts and woodwork.
Nell lives with comorbidities (two or more diseases or medical conditions), including hearing loss, vertigo, osteoarthritis, asthma and Type 2 Diabetes.
Peter spends most of his day at home with Nell. He takes Nell to her appointments and organises the calendar. He helps her administer her insulin injections and is often an extra pair of hands.
Like many people caring for loved ones, Peter didn’t think of himself as a ‘carer’ – just a husband, doing his best. But life was starting to feel heavy and Peter had a lot on his plate.
When someone first suggested Peter give Carer Gateway a call, it came as a surprise. But then Peter realised it made sense.
“Nell’s got quite a few illnesses that require attention from professional people. I feel it’s my first obligation to look after her, and I try to do my best,” says Peter.
“There are always doctor’s appointments; her illnesses need attention. I take her to her appointments – it’s almost like a little outing, it’s just that it has a nuisance value attached.”
Through Carer Gateway, Peter and Nell have been able to go on outings without the nuisance value. They have been on several social bus trips together. Last year they attended Christmas lunch and had a lovely time.
Peter is now one of tens of thousands of other carers in Victoria who are registered with Carer Gateway. He is full of praise for the people at Grampians Health, a partner of Holstep Health, who facilitate the Carer Gateway program in Ballarat and throughout regional Western Victoria.
“They’re human. They’re understanding, they’re obliging, they’re helpful. It’s good two-way communication. They have no trouble in ringing me back and spending the time to hear what’s going on and how they can best help. They’ve got a good family-like structure they’ve invited us into.”
Joining a monthly walking and coffee group in his town organised by Carer Gateway has helped Peter give his own fitness a lift. It’s created some enjoyable social time, and he has made friends through the group – including one bloke who has become a good mate and even helped Peter restore his car.
There is also practical support which helped Peter with meals and transport. Peter attends weekly online question and answer sessions organised by his local team and has accessed free one-on-one counselling sessions for carers.
“It’s been so helpful with daily life and not feeling downtrodden with all the problems on our shoulders. Mental and moral support has been very important to us, and they’ve been very good at that. My outlook on life has become much easier,” he shares.
“Now I don’t have such a heavy cloud hanging over me with all the things I need to do. There’s great satisfaction in knowing that they’ve got my back.”
Whether you care for a family member or friend every day or just a few hours a week, you’re not alone. Carer Gateway offers free emotional, practical, and mental health support to help you. Call 1800 422 727 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm) or visit our Carer Support page to find out more.
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