Tune in to Care

Episode 1 – No two carers are the same

Season 2 of Tune in to Care delves into the unique experiences of carers across Australia, emphasising that no two carers are the same. In this episode we are introduced to the carers who will feature throughout the series with a sneak preview of who they are, the challenges they face, what gives them hope and the impact seeking support has had on their lives.

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Episode 2 – Caring for aging family members

Dive into the heartfelt stories of carers Kim and Liz as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of caregiving for elderly loved ones. This episode of Tune into Care explores themes of carer burnout, grief, and the importance of support networks. Featuring insights from Tenille Griffiths, State Manager at Dementia Australia, and Lou Faulkner, General Manager of Wellways Carer Gateway Services, the discussion underscores the transformative power of peer groups, counselling, and coaching in fostering resilience and compassion in challenging caregiving journeys.

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Episode 3 – Unique challenges of mental health caring

Explore the complex world of mental health carers with guests Diana and Sandra. Diana navigates caring for a son with severe autism while managing her own ADHD, while Sandra supports her grandchildren with mental health challenges. They share raw insights into misdiagnosis, lack of support, and the emotional turmoil of caregiving. Experts Lou Faulkner and Jenna Sachs discuss the crucial role of community support. Discover how carers can find empowerment and resilience through resources and community.

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Episode 4 – Balancing life as a young carer

Explore the experiences of young carers, Julia and Adam, as they balance the challenges of caregiving while navigating personal growth and academic pressures. Discover insights from experts Richard Colquhoun of Little Dreamers and Lou Faulkner of Wellways Carer Gateway on the complexities, emotional toll, and support available for young carers.

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Episode 5 – Caregiving in rural and regional areas

Explore the unique challenges faced by rural and regional carers, as Dawn and Julie-Ann share their emotional and physical experiences of caregiving in rural and regional sservareas. This episode delves into resource limitations, isolation, and community resilience. Adrian Plitzco guides the conversation with insights from experts Lou Faulkner and Jannah Cruden, who discuss innovative solutions and community support systems for isolated carers. Discover how these carers navigate the landscape of caregiving amidst technical difficulties and limited access to services, finding strength through community ties and personal strategies.

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Episode 6 – First Nations carers in remote communities

Gloria and Mossiearna, Indigenous caregivers from Mornington Island, share their experiences and challenges of providing care in remote areas. They discuss the support they provide to their communities despite limited resources. With insight from Lou Faulkner and Jannah Cruden of Wellways and North and West Remote Health, this episode explores community trust, traditional protocols, and the critical role of Wellways Carer Gateway in supporting remote carers. Discover the inspiring tales of resilience and community spirit as carers navigate caregiving in isolated regions.

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Episode 7 – Reflections

In this insightful wrap-up episode of Tune in to Care, host Adrian Plitzco and guest Lou Faulkner from Wellways Carer Gateway, reflect on the diverse experiences of carers highlighted throughout the podcast series. They engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the unique challenges faced by carers of varying demographics.

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Tune in to care follows the journeys of Luna, Mary, George, Lena and Maya, five different carers with their own story to share. In this first episode, host Adrian Plitzco explores why people often don’t ask for help in their role as a carer and the impact this can have on their lives.

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In episode two of Tune in to care, our carers share their experiences of when they first came to the realisation that they are carers. We hear how teenager Maya’s new carer role led to a newfound passion to help people in need. For others, this new self-awareness has led to a struggle and loss of identity.

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In this episode of Tune in to Care the carers share the challenges that come with asking family and friends for help and how a lack of support in their caring role led to isolation and loneliness. Georgie Sawyer, a Peer Facilitator at Wellways Carer Gateway, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of being heard and the role Carer Gateway plays in providing support to carers.

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In episode four of Tune in to care, carers Lena, George, Mary, Maya, and Luna discuss their feelings of guilt and doubt, the pressure that comes with doing enough for their loved ones, and the fear of asking for help. They also touch on the stigma attached to being a carer and the lack of understanding from others.

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In this episode the carers share how they discovered there was help out there and which supports made a difference in their lives. While George enjoys when other carers listen to him, young carer Maya has learned to appreciate art.

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Towards the end of the season, we learn how supports have made the people on this podcast better carers. Lena has learned to speak up to her father and Mary feels like a rock has been lifted off her chest. Whilst their caring responsibilities remain the same, their ways of dealing with them have changed for the better.

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In this special bonus episode of Tune in to care, we check in with Mary and Georgie as they reflect on hearing the first 6 episodes of the podcast. For Mary it was hard to hear, but she shares how she found the experience very rewarding. Georgie discusses the benefits of In-Person Peer Support groups as a space for listening, sharing and expressing feelings; and we experience first-hand that life doesn’t always go to plan for carers.

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