Support > Family Carers Information Toolkit
Bereavement support
The time after the person you have been caring for dies can be very full or very empty, or fluctuate between both extremes.
Bereavement support is available in a number of ways.
Everyone grieves differently and there are no rules. No two people are the same, but there is support available to help you adjust.
Kitchen Table Conversations take place every couple of months for past carers to catch up, share stories and experience the support of others who truly understand. If you have been on our contact list you will be invited to these programs.
Upcoming Events:
- Tuesday 5th May at 12 noon
- Monday 6th July at 12 noon
- Tuesday 22nd September at 12 noon
- Tuesday 17th November at 7.30pm
If you're interested in being part of these Kitchen Table Conversations for past carers, please email carer.support@mnd.org.au to receive the Zoom link.
If you were connected to a Palliative Care service, they may have a bereavement program in which you can participate.
Calvary Health Care Bethlehem host online Bereavement Support Groups several times each year. These run for 7 weeks and are facilitated by bereavement counsellors, social workers and pastoral carers.
Grief Australia have a number of resources and services including support groups for people who have experienced a VAD bereavement. Reach out if you need more support than you are currently receiving.
Carerhelp have a number of resources, in pathway 5 they discuss experiences After Caring.
Speaking to your GP can be helpful if you would like to access subsidised sessions with a counsellor.
Experiences
Carole's experience
Carole left work and gave up many of her own interests so she could focus on caring for her husband. She has no regrets and would do it all again, but now she's having trouble getting back into life in a new way. Connecting with other past carers has been a tremendous support in knowing she's not alone in her experience, even though everyone is different.
Paul's experience
Paul cared for his wife Janet since her diagnosis. Her decline was rapid and the whole experience totally unexpected. While the family are great supports, Paul feels he needs more support outside the family and is appreciating accessing counselling.
