Sharing the care
October 14, 2025
More than 80,000 Tasmanians provide unpaid care and emotional support to a family member or friend – that’s one in six people. This National Carers Week (12-18 October), we share some resources that can assist carers find supports of their own.
Caring for a loved one who has become frail as they’ve aged, or has disability, mental ill health or addictive behaviours can be immensely rewarding. It can also take a toll on the carer’s own physical and mental health and wellbeing, and the risk of burn-out is high.
Often, people juggle their caring responsibilities with parenting, paid work and volunteering, and if they are a younger person, their schoolwork. It leaves very little time for hobbies and personal interests, physical exercise and the rest and relaxation that’s required to keep their batteries charged.
The role of respite
Respite is when you take a break from your caring role for a limited period of time and a service steps in to care for your loved one. This can be for a couple of hours during the day overnight, or for a longer period.
If the person you look after is older, Anglicare’s statewide in-home aged care service can help. It assists people with household tasks and social and nursing supports. While your loved one is in our care, you have time to focus on yourself. This can be as simple as zipping out to meet friends, relaxing with a cuppa and a good book, taking a walk or spending some one-to-one time with your partner or children. You can chat with a member of our friendly aged care team on 1800 466 300.
The Curraghmore Supported Independent Living (SIL) property in Devonport, operated by Anglicare, can provide carers with respite and peace of mind. It provides a variety of stay options and professional support for people who experience mental ill-health. They include short-term stays from 1 – 42 days. Contact Anglicare directly on 1800 243 232 to talk to someone about your eligibility for this service.
Reach out to Carers Tasmania
Carers Tasmania has been providing support to, and advocating for, carers around the state for more than 30 years. It can advise you how to navigate services for your loved one, connect you with others in your situation who live nearby, and provide professional counselling sessions when your circumstances become particularly challenging.
This media release from Carers Tasmania includes information on events to be held this Carers Week, including expos in Launceston and Burnie.
The service arm of Carers Tasmania is called Care2Serve. Contact them on 1800 422 737 (and press 1) or email them on intake@care2serve.com.au
The Australian Carer Gateway has an online skills course for carers that includes practical tips for improving carers’ health and wellbeing. Find out more here.
If you are in crisis, contact Lifeline on 131114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
