Pampering day for local Carers provides much needed break

A pampering massage or relaxing manicure at a peaceful beauty parlour can be an exciting thought for anyone, but for local women who are caring for loved ones, it is a very special treat.

This week 24 local residents will be treated to some extra special pampering to help them in their role as carers. KinCare is supporting Community Care Northern Beaches (CCNB) to provide a Pampering Day this Friday 1 July for 24 Northern Beaches carers, many of whom are juggling work and other family commitments while also tending to the needs of their loved ones.

'Caring for a frail parent, a family member with dementia or adult children with disabilities, can be rewarding but also demanding,' said KinCare General Manager, Therese Adami. 'It is important for carers to take time out to recuperate and relax.'

'It is amazing to see the relief people caring for their loved ones feel when they are provided with essential formal and informal support services such as respite care,' explains Ms Adami.

While there is evidence to show that carers are often reluctant to seek the help they need, there is help available and taking the first step to find out what is available is a great start.

'Some carers feel it is their duty and responsibility alone, and somehow feel guilty if they are not able to provide all the care that is needed,' said Ms Adami. 'Others are not sure about where to get help and how much it might cost'.

'Talking to someone who understands their feelings and can help them find the services to suit their personal situation can really help,' said Ms Adami.

Ms Adami also recommends that carers remember to include some pampering for themselves… and see the benefits for them and their loved ones.

Local readers can get assistance through the many Government subsidised programs, and community and private service available. Carers NSW, Alzheimer's Australia, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres and local service providers such as CCNB and KinCare can all help carers and their families.

Carers can visit our website www.kincare.com.au for more information or call Karyn from KinCare on 1300 733 510 and speak to someone who understands.

Carers on the Northern Beaches can also visit the Community Care (Northern Beaches) (CCNB) website www.communitycare.org.au to find out about services relevant to their needs or contact CCNB on Ph. 9979 7677.

Contact: Therese Adami, General Manager or Carmel Court, Sales and Marketing Manager for more information or to arrange an interview.

Therese Adami and Carmel Court can be contacted on 1300 733 510.

About KinCare

KinCare is a family operated group of companies incorporating KinCare Community Services, KinCare Health Services, National College Australia and TeleResponse Australia.

KinCare specialises in providing support services to older people and people with a disability in their own homes. Established in 1992, KinCare has grown rapidly and is now Australia 's largest family operated in home care and nursing service provider.

KinCare currently provides care to 325 clients living on the Northern Beaches.

KinCare is a trusted provider of Australian Government and State and Territory Government funded services and packages with a strong track record in improving client's quality of life.

KinCare works closely in partnership with Area Health Networks, Hospital staff, Medical teams, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, other service providers, specialist cultural groups and other key stakeholder groups.

KinCare Services

KinCare offers a variety of services including help with housework, assisting with daily personal care needs, providing social support and nursing services through Government subsidised services and packages, and private services.

Packages of care can be tailored to individuals who have low level or complex and high support needs. Services may be as short as 30 minutes or fulltime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; allowing older people and people with a disability to remain at home.

KinCare's service models are underpinned by a 'Quality of Life' philosophy and a holistic approach to care, which addresses the things that matter most to each client.

KinCare also provides staffing solutions to many of Australia's leading church, charitable and community organisations.

Community Care (Northern Beaches) (CCNB)

CCNB is a not for profit community organisation providing services in the community to frail aged people, people with disabilities, people with dementia and their carers.

The organisation is committed to achieving excellence in the development and provision of flexible and responsive assessment, case management, respite and dementia care services to assist people to remain living independently at home.

Services for carers include:

• Respite for carers of people who have moderate to severe disabilities, are frail aged and/or have dementia
• Comprehensive and flexible case management to older parent carers and their families of people with disabilities whose caring roles and capacities may be changing
• Respite for employed carers of frail older people to help them to combine their caring, study and employment responsibilities.