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Carers wanted by disabilities service

 

Central Coast Life Without Barriers Disabilities Services is looking for Peninsula residents who are interested in being carers for children or adults with disabilities.

Manager Ms Colleen Allen said that, if she had enough Peninsula carers, she could "place two clients tomorrow".

She said there were already two full-time carers on the Peninsula, but these carers required regular respite.

"Having new respite carers close by would make the children's lives easier, less disruptive," she said.

Carers were mostly needed for children with disabilities, rather than adults, which required placement of the child in the home of the foster carer family.

When carers provide care for adults with disabilities on a one-to-one basis, there is usually a home created to do this.

"But the greater need right now is for foster carers for children and young people with disabilities, and this needs to be in the carer's home/family," said Ms Allen.

Ms Allen said: "I'm passionate about people with disabilities having the quality of life that the rest of us take for granted.

"One of the basics is having a safe place to live within a family or the community."

Ms Allen said: "We have some great carers from all walks of life."

Mr Ian Hakker of Tascott was a good example.

Ian has been a carer for nearly 10 years, and provides one-on-one care for a young man.

Ian said: "I was motivated to become a carer when I was living in Holland.

"I felt there was more that I could be doing with my life, and my work didn¹t suit me or give me satisfaction, so I became a carer for people with disabilities.

"There are a lot of rewards you get from being a carer.

"You get to see the person you are caring for progress in their life.

"For example they become more independent, you give them a safe environment to live in and they appreciate feeling safe and secure, and you get to have lots of fun.

"Also you get to share your life with the person and vice versa.

"You share a huge role in each other's lives."

Ian also said being a carer had changed his life.

"Within my personal life, it has given me more structure.

"It has helped me discover who I am, and that I am a compassionate, understanding person who is able to reach out and support another person with their life goals.

"Being a carer gives me the satisfaction I was looking for."

Ms Allen said training for prospective carers will begin in late March, and they would be assessed upon its completion.

Applicants would also undergo a police check.

Anyone interested should phone 4323 9266 to register their interest, and make further enquiries.

Press release, March 7 Colleen Allen, Life Without Barriers