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Biscuit71
Casual Contributor

Studying whilst caring

Hi guys and gals, 

I have been a full time carer for the last 8 years for my congnitive impaired aunt, whom is wheelchair bound. It requires round the clock care. November last year after a spate of falls and hospital trips I decided that I could no longer give her the care that was needed to keep her safe. So she was placed into permanent care. My father also has gone downhill, so the choice was made to help. The only difference I have noticed between caring is that my aunt was 24 hours, waking at night, everything you can imagine, I did. And my father it has left me a little bit of me time which is incredibly different. 

I'm babbling now...but I went into services Australia to ask about the possibility of undertaking some study for my downtime, considering I have no desirable skills for a workplace. Every other pension is offered the choice to study except carers. Considering we are already doing the task is it not something that should be offered? I was looking to do individual support age and disability. 

Or perhaps offer carers a first aid or CPR course? 

I was told to go look at government subsided courses, because I studied with my work I 2012 I am ineligible. So a course is roughly $5000, which if you are on the carers pension know is quite improbable. 

Has anyone else had this come up, and does anyone know who to contact regarding it? 

Hope everyone has an exceptional day, and know that you are all amazing humans

2 REPLIES 2

Re: Studying whilst caring

Hey @Biscuit71 ,

 

Sorry I missed your post earlier or I would've answered much much earlier!

 

Firstly, thank you for sharing your story with the community and trusting us to share parts of your life. I hear how much you have given and given and poured out of your own cup.

 

I have my own assumptions as to why there is limited support for carers to access education, but I won't go into that. 

 

When you last studied, what course did you do if you don't mind me asking?

Re: Studying whilst caring

hello @Biscuit71 nice to meet you
i grew up as a young carer and also studying.
being a carer on the pension tafe offers many subsided courses. it would be worth contacting them to enquire as sometimes online it doesnt show you.
i was able to do all my social, disability and aged care courses through tafe and they were free.
Reach out to your local tafe by making a course enquiry on the ones your interested in. i believe it is only one or 2 courses a year that are free though