Caring for a person with disability

Caring for a person with disability can be both rewarding and challenging. While many people with disability don’t use the term ‘carer’, evidence from NSW shows that most people with disability do receive some assistance from family members and friends.

The types of support that carers provide to people with disability can vary greatly, from occasional help with transport, to regular personal care assistance, to emotional and administrative support.

The Carers NSW 2020 National Carer Survey found that carers of people with disability who responded were more likely to be younger, care for more hours per week and have been caring for longer than other carers. The Survey also found that caring for a person with disability can significantly impact on someone’s health and wellbeing.

If you are caring for a person with disability, there are many services and supports available to help you.

Useful services

Carer Gateway - 1800 422 737. Access to supports and services for carers.

Disability Gateway - 1800 643 787 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm). Connecting people with disability, their families and carers to information and services.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - 1800 800 110 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm). Funded support for people with significant and permanent disability.

Disability Advocacy Finder - Information about advocacy services to support people with disability, their families and carers.

Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline - 1800 628 221 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm). Information and support if you are concerned that a person with disability is being abused, neglected or exploited.