Being a carer can be stressful, overwhelming and often isolating. The job of caring never stops. For many carers, it’s a 24 hour job.

The Brain Tumour Association of WA is not only open to people diagnosed with brain tumours, but their family and friends who care for them.

Many carers have come together through the network to meet someone else who going through a similar journey and to provide support to each other. Sometimes it’s just a case of speaking to someone else that shares your experiences and really understands what you are going through.

As a first point of call, carers can contact Carers WA on 1300 227 377, which provides a valuable local information and referral service, including advice on finding services, taking a break and counselling assistance.

Assistance within the home and respite

Many families and carers are unaware they may be eligible for home assistance, through services provided by organisations such as Silver Chain.  This includes providing regular or even daily respite for carers, by visiting the home and assisting with showering, meal times and other tasks in the care of your family member.

To be eligible for this in home assistance, it is generally necessary for your general practitioner, oncology consultant or the hospice doctor to provide a referral, based on your family member’s medical condition.

Coordinated care and Flexible Respite Programs for patients with “neurological degenerative conditions” such as brain tumours can also be accessed through a disability services funded scheme from the MS Society.

More information on specific service organisations will be provided here soon.

For further information or assistance with these referrals, please contact the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network Cancer Nurse Coordinator  – Neurological Cancer on  0400 021 649.