CarerHelp Rural Connect Project Paves the Way for Rural Carers
A guest blog post by Dr Kristina Thomas, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Palliative Care
In the expanse of the Australian rural landscape, caring for a loved one with an advanced disease can present unique challenges. Enter the CarerHelp Rural Connect project, set to support families in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia to enhance accessibility to CarerHelp's resources and information.
CarerHelp, an online platform established in 2019, has been assisting Australian families navigating the complexities of caring for someone with an advanced disease. With a wealth of practical resources covering topics from end-of-life care to bereavement, CarerHelp has supported over 50,000 Australians. Now, with the Rural Connect project, the aim is to extend this support to those living in rural pockets where access to palliative care and bereavement services may be limited.
An average of 1,000 new users find their way to the CarerHelp website each month, but the Rural Connect project recognises that more can be done for rural carers.
Led by St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and backed by Flinders University, the National Rural Health Alliance, and Grief Australia, this project is a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between urban-centric resources and the needs of rural communities.
So, what can rural carers expect from the CarerHelp Rural Connect project? First and foremost, the development of new resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by those in remote areas. Practical, relevant, and relatable information will be at the forefront, addressing the specific needs of rural families caring for loved ones with advanced illnesses.
Additionally, a new series of monthly online education and support sessions will be rolled out, bringing health professionals virtually to the doorsteps of rural families. These sessions will not only prepare families for the challenges of caregiving but will also provide a vital support system for those dealing with grief and loss after bereavement.
The Rural Connect project is not just about providing information; it's about creating a community, a network of support that stretches across the vast Australian landscape.
By extending a helping hand through digital avenues, CarerHelp ensures that distance is no longer a barrier to compassionate care and support.
How to start using CarerHelp now?
The Rural project is underway, but you can start using CarerHelp with families now.
Consider directing the families you work with to:
- look at the many resources to help them navigate end of life caring or
- print off some of our more popular factsheets for your waiting area such as:
There is also a new Communities section which has information in nine other languages, specific pages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and for LGBTIQ+ carers.
For more information or to order resources email carerhelp@flinders.edu.au.
Dr Kristina Thomas