Caring for someone with sight loss

What is a carer?

When a loved one is diagnosed with vision loss, it’s common for family and friends to step in, offering their assistance to help them navigate daily life. If you provide help with everyday tasks for your family member, friend, or neighbour who is experiencing vision loss, you may be a carer.

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care for a person with a disability, a medical condition, a mental illness, or who is frail due to age. This could be just a few hours of support a week, or it could be every day. Anyone who is under the age of 25 and provides care is considered a ‘young carer’.

What do carers do?

The responsibilities of a carer can differ depending on your personal circumstances.

In some situations, the person affected may still be quite independent and may have minimal care needs, so the carer may only provide a few hours of care a week.

In other situations, a carer could be giving their loved one support on a 24-hour basis.

Some of the responsibilities of a carer can include:

• Preparing and cooking meals.
• Cleaning and general household maintenance.
• Driving and transportation.
• Paying bills.
• Doing the shopping.
• Providing emotional support.

Support for carers

Caring for a loved one experiencing vision loss can be rewarding, but it can also be difficult for the carer at times. It may be hard to find the time to socialise with friends, or you might have to reduce your hours at work to care for your loved one.

If you are a carer, you may feel overwhelmed at times, and it is important to look after your own mental wellbeing.

Carer Gateway is a government program that supports carers through services including peer support groups, counselling, online skills courses, and access to emergency respite.

You may also be eligible for the Carer Payment if you provide daily care for someone with a disability, a medical condition, or someone who’s frail aged. See here to find out more about the Carer Payment and to see if you’re eligible.