Where can carers get support?

Carer Gateway is the Australian Government's national service for carers and can connect carers with respite, counselling, peer support and practical help.

Should I help with transfers or exercises at home?

Only after the rehabilitation team has shown you how. Ask for training before assisting with unfamiliar tasks.

Carers

Supporting a family member through rehabilitation

6 min readLast updated 2026-09-08

Family members and carers often play a central role in rehabilitation. This guide offers practical suggestions, with an emphasis on consent, the person's independence and looking after your own wellbeing.

About this guide

Written by:: Get Rehab editorial team — Referral platform editorial team (non-clinical)
Added to this content system:: 7 September 2026 (original publication date not recorded)
Last updated:: 8 September 2026
Clinical review:: Clinical review pending — this guide has not been reviewed by a clinician.
Next review due:: 7 September 2027

General information only, based on the official sources listed on this page. See our editorial policy.

Key points

Carer involvement should always be guided by the person's consent.
Encouraging independence is usually more helpful than doing everything for someone.
Carers should ask for training before assisting with unfamiliar tasks.
Support services exist for carers, including Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

The carer's role

With the person's consent, carers may help with appointments, transport, daily routines, medication reminders and communication with the rehabilitation team. The exact role looks different in every family.

Goals, appointments and discharge planning

Carers can be involved in setting rehabilitation goals, attending key appointments and contributing to discharge planning. Being present for these discussions can help everyone share the same understanding of next steps.

Keeping documents organised

Contact details for the GP, specialists and rehabilitation team.
Medication lists and allergies.
Referrals, care plans and discharge summaries.
Insurance, NDIS, DVA or scheme information where relevant.

Ask for training before assisting

If you will be helping with transfers, exercises, wound care, equipment, swallowing safety or other unfamiliar tasks, ask the rehabilitation team to show you how before you try at home. This protects both you and the person you support.

Support independence

Rehabilitation is often about regaining independence. Where it is safe, supporting the person to do tasks themselves, with extra time or modified methods, can be more valuable than doing the task for them.

Preparing for provider conversations

Write down questions before appointments.
Note any changes you have observed since the last visit.
Ask for written information you can refer back to.
Confirm who to contact between appointments.

Looking after yourself

Caring can be rewarding and demanding. Sleep, regular breaks, your own healthcare and connection with other people all matter. If you feel overwhelmed, please reach out for support early.

Respite, counselling and peer support

Carer Gateway is the Australian Government's national service for carers. It can connect carers with respite, counselling, peer support and practical help.

Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737

Emergency and crisis support

In a medical emergency, call 000. If you or the person you care for is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000.

A simple carer checklist

Have I asked the person what support they want from me?
Do I have current contact details for the rehabilitation team?
Have I been shown how to safely assist with any new tasks?
Am I encouraging independence wherever it is safe to do so?
Do I have my own supports in place, including respite if needed?

Common questions

Where can carers get support?: Carer Gateway is the Australian Government's national service for carers and can connect carers with respite, counselling, peer support and practical help.
Should I help with transfers or exercises at home?: Only after the rehabilitation team has shown you how. Ask for training before assisting with unfamiliar tasks.

Official Australian sources

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