PEOPLE become carers in different ways, but when they do, Carers SA is here to help them.

There are more than 245,000 carers, of all ages, in South Australia.

“An unpaid carer is a family member or friend who looks after someone with a disability, mental illness, Dementia, a long-term health condition, an illness that is terminal, an alcohol or drug related problem or someone who is frail due to age,” a Carers SA spokesperson said.

“Parents, grandparents, partners, siblings, friends and neighbours may all take on a caring role at some point in their life.

“Sometimes they start helping someone out bit by bit.

“Sometimes it happens suddenly, because of an accident or illness.”

Carers SA is the local provider of the federal government initiative, the Carer Gateway.

“It provides services and support to unpaid carers across Australia,” the spokesperson said.

“Carer Gateway services are focused on supporting carers and they complement the existing services that may be available through other supports such as My Aged Care or NDIS.”

All carers, whether they receive Centrelink Carer Payments or not, are eligible to access services from Carers SA.

“Carers can access support through Carers SA regardless of whether they live with the person/s they care for or not,” the spokesperson said.

“Carers SA offers a variety of free services to support carers in their caring role — we are a state-wide organisation, with skilled and professional staff working across country and metropolitan South Australia.

“You can still receive support while you are waiting for proof of diagnosis regarding the condition of the person you care for.”

To find out more about the Carer Gateway, call 1800 422 737 or Carers SA on 8291 5600 or carerssa.com.au.