Providing care to a person living with MND can be physically, emotionally and psychologically difficult.
Whilst many carers highlight the privilege and reward of being able to care for a loved one, it is important that carers also receive the information, support and assistance they need to manage the caring role.
Andrea Salmon coordinates the MND Carer Support Program and you'll meet her at the programs we hold for carers and family members.
Ongoing Programs:
Kitchen Table Conversations
Kitchen Table Conversations are monthly gatherings that provide a safe space for carers to ask questions, share experiences, learn from each other and support each other. Hosted by Andrea Salmon, Carer Project Coordinator at MND Victoria along with Lynette and Karl, past carers, these conversations are run monthly via Zoom on the:
- 1st Friday of the month at 2:00 pm, and
- 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm
Come once or come every month! These Kitchen Table Conversations encourage carers to learn, listen, and to have a laugh or a cry - just like we would if we were sitting around a kitchen table.
We hope to see you there!
Register to attend by emailing carer.support@mnd.org.au or calling our office on 03 9830 2122.
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Carer Lunches (Carers Only)
Just like a Kitchen Table Conversation, but in person, and over a meal. We plan lunches all over the place for you to connect and perhaps make a few connections and plan to catch up again. If you'd like to attend any of the lunches drop us an email carer.support@mnd.org.au or call 03 9830 2122.
Your first lunch is on us, so book in now.
December
Friday 8th December at 12 noon Mister Fox 352 Canterbury Road, Ringwood
For more details or to Register for this program CLICK HERE
January
Friday 12th January at 12 noon Wide Open Road 274 Barkly Street, Brunswick, 3056 Park opposite or use Jewell Station
For more details or to Register for this program CLICK HERE
Carer Wellness Relaxation Programs
About the Programs
MND Victoria runs Carer Wellness Programs for our carers to give them some tools for looking after themselves while caring for a loved one. These events are also an opportunity to relax and connect with other carers.
Talk to your Advisor if you need support to be able to attend.
Carer Retreat - VIC - Outer East
Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th February, 2024
Yarra Valley Lodge, Chirnside Park
For all unpaid carers of someone living with MND. A chance to connect, learn, refresh and rest. All meals and overnight accommodation included. Come to the whole program or come to one session, whatever you can manage. We'd love to see you there.
Register HereMore Information
Coming Up: Launceston, TAS., Melbourne CBD, Southern Region, VIC., and more
Mindfulness for Carers
A FREE 4 week online program for people caring for someone living with MND. Join from the comfort of your own home
Friday mornings, 11am - 11.45 starting Friday March 1st, 2024
More Information
Tai Chi for Carers
A FREE 5 week online program for people caring for someone living with MND. Join from the comfort of your own home
Dates to be advised
Carers Respite Funding
MND Victoria have been successful in receiving grant funding to support selected respite activities for carers until 30 June 2025. As there are a number of different avenues where support or funding can be arranged, if you have a need, a gap in services or are generally interested in getting more support, please contact your MND Advisor or email carer.respite@mnd.org.au
More Information
If you would like to speak to our friendly team
Please contact the service's helpline on (03) 9830 2122 or 1800 777 175 or send us an email at the address below.
Email
Useful Government Benefits:
Concessions for carers
Carer Payment
What is it?
An income support payment if you give constant care to someone who has a severe disability, or illness, or an adult who is frail and old.
To see if you are eligible click here to visit Centerlink's website.
Carer Allowance
Who is it this for?
For people who give additional daily care to someone with a disability or medical condition, or an adult who is frail aged.
To see if you are eligible click here to visit Centerlink's website.
Carer Card
What is it?
The Carer Card Program is a collaboration between the government, businesses and the community.
Phone: 1800 901 958 (between 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM)
www.carercard.vic.gov.au
Companion Card
What is it?
A card for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities. The card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events.
To find out more, call the Victorian Companion Card Information Line at 1800 650 611, or visit www.companioncard.vic.gov.au/
Other Benefits
- Half Priced Taxi Card
- Qantas Carer Concession Card
- Victoria Mental Health Carer Support Fund
- NDIS
- Better Life Mobile phone plan
- Carer Adjustment Payment
- Child Disability Assistance Payment
- Disability Parking Permit
For further information, please visit Carer's Victoria here.
Agencies that also provide support to carers:
Carer Gateway
Phone: 1800 422 737
The Australian Government’s Carer Gateway is a newly formed national service to ensure carers have access to supports. Through the Carer Gateway, carers can access services such as:
- Phone counselling
- Connecting to other carers
- Self-guiding carer coaching
- Carer Skills courses
- Respite
- Financial Help
Visit their website for more information
Carers Victoria
Phone: 1800 514 845
Carers Victoria is the peak body for unpaid family carers in Victoria. Carers Victoria plays a key role in advocating for the needs of carers and for improved recognition and support. Carers Victoria also provides services such as:
- Carer Support
- Resources and Information
- Education and Training
Visit their website for more information
Carers Tasmania
Phone: 03 6144 3700
Carers Tasmania is the peak body for unpaid family carers in Tasmania. Carers Tasmania plays a key role in advocating for the needs of carers and for improved recognition and support. Carers Tasmania also provides services such as:
- Carer Support
- Resources and Information
- Education and Training
Visit their website for more information
BrainLink
BrainLink provides support to the families and friends of people with an acquired brain disorder, including MND. They can provide:
- Information and resources
- Respite
- Referral
Visit their website for more information
Useful Resources
My Health and Personal Care Information
A quick reference guide for the people who are providing care at the bedside – to remind them of the basic needs required to be comfortable, safe and able to communicate needs. Great to take with you if you have an inpatient stay in hospital or respite facility.
If you would like assistance to complete your own reference document please speak to your MND Advisor or Support Coordinator.
My health and personal care guidance document.
My Health and Personal Care Information Sample Chart
My health and personal care information chart
Emergency Care Plan
An emergency care plan has all the information about the person you care for in one place, so you can get it quickly and easily.
An emergency care plan makes it easy for someone to take over from you in a hurry.
Emergency Care Plan
Catch Up Recordings
Most of the information in these webinars will be useful to all Australians, regardless of what state/territory they live in, however some information about services and equipment will vary across Australia. If you would like information specifically for your state please contact your local association on 1800 777 175
Carers & Sleep
Sleep was the topic of conversation at a recent Kitchen Table Conversation. Andrea Salmon, an OT by training, lead the discussion.
WATCH HERE
The Value of Early Palliative Care
Carol Barbeler, Palliative Care Nurse and MND Shared Care Worker, and Eric Kelly, MND Advisor and Team Leader explain palliative care, and how important it can be to make a connection with your local palliative care service. Palliative Care is not just about a good end of life, but living a good life and managing symptoms.
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WATCH HERE
The Benefits of Massage
Andrew Resciniti, Massage Therapist talks about the benefits and limitations of massage. Deb Olive, MND Volunteer Program Coordinator and Jenny Graham, MND Massage Volunteer talk about the MND Massage Program. Andrea Salmon hosted the program and suggested some funding opportunities for massage
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WATCH HERE
Getting the Right Support
Andrea Salmon, MND Carers Program, and Julie Wilson, MND Advisor, talk about being creative when it comes to meeting care needs through informal and formal support
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WATCH HERE
Supporting Children and Adolescents through Grief and Bereavement
This fabulous webinar was presented by Bianca Lavorgna from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, it provides information to caregivers and families about grief and bereavement, to help equip them with the knowledge and resources to better support their grieving children as well as themselves.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VIEW THE RECORDING AND READ THE HANDOUTS PLEASE CONTACT Info@mnd.org.au OR CALL 1800 777 175
Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, calm both your body and mind, while cultivating compassion and friendliness towards yourself.
On June 13 Carmela Quimbo presented a session introducing us to mindfulness and leading us through 3 mindfulness exercises. The session as recorded to enable these to be accessed in your own space and time. Please email info@mnd.org.au if you have questions or feedback after watching the recording.
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WATCH HERE
Benefits and Entitlements for Carers
Alex Talvy and Emma Forsyth joined Andrea Salmon on August 29 to discuss ways to use the funding and benefits available to ease the load on family and friends
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WATCH HERE
How Equipment can Help
Amy Schneider explains the Equipment Library and Minor Home Modifications Program
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WATCH HERE
Creating and Capturing Memories
Steph Cross and Deb Olive share ideas for making and keeping memories, including information on the MND Vic Life Story Program
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WATCH HERE
For Young Carers
National Youth Hub for Young Carers 
The National MND Youth Hub was created by our friends over at MND NSW for people between 13 and 18 years old, who are connected to, and caring for someone with MND. It is a space to connect with people all over Australia and seek support from people with similar experiences. MND NSW Youth Hub runs online every second month. Topics and conversations are chosen by the Youth Hub Community.
For further information or to register, please contact info@mnd.org.au or call our info line service P: 9830 2122.
Youth Hub Event