Caring for someone (informal care)

Informal care is unpaid help for someone close to you who is ill, disabled or dependent. Good care requires attention not only to them but also to your own limits, health, rest and safety. Seek help early for overload, and call the appropriate care service if the person's medical condition worsens.

• Persistent tiredness, poor sleep, headache, muscle pain or becoming ill more often may indicate overload.
• Irritability, low mood, anxiety, guilt, concentration problems or no longer enjoying anything deserve attention.
• Plan regular times when someone else takes over care, and actually use that time for sleep, exercise, appointments or relaxation.
• Eat and drink regularly, limit alcohol and stimulants, and keep up with your own medicines and check-ups.
• Make an appointment for yourself for persistent exhaustion, insomnia, low mood, anxiety, physical symptoms or increasing substance use.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.