It’s the ultimate labour of love, caring for a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, or an older person.
Werribee’s Patricia Tot knows that all too well.
Ms Tot started caring for her daughter 16 years ago after she had a nervous breakdown while working overseas.
She has suffered from mental illness ever since, but has stabilised greatly through medication and other treatment.
“It’s been a hard journey, and in the beginning it was very isolating and frustrating,” Ms Tot said.
“A lot of people think carers are a support worker, and you yourself don’t realise you’re a carer … you just do it because it’s somebody you love, and you want to support them.”
Research shows unpaid carers will spend 36 million hours caring for a family member or friend in need.
Ms Tot said it was particularly hard in the first decade, when she struggled to find support services. Then, she came across a Carers Victoria stall while out shopping and now receives respite.
She has also helped to set up a local carers support group, which meets monthly and allows carers to share experiences.
Ms Tot was one of 150 carers invited to a mingle event at Encore Events Centre last week as part of National Carers Week.
“It’s so good to be talking to like-minded people who understand, and you can talk freely in a safe environment,” she said.
