Kate Baychek’s moving conversation with CEO, Anne Wilson provides a touching and powerful glimpse into the reality of ME/CFS for loved ones, is so very touching and powerful.
Kate is a carer for her bedbound adult child with ME. She’s also a registered nurse who has worked in the public hospital system over 35 years. In this poignant podcast we hear how she is utterly floored at the demands of caring 24/7 for a bedbound person, particularly her own child. At times, all of this has felt overwhelming and never-ending. Kate didn’t expect the stigma and gaslighting, nor the appalling cost of health care outside of the hospital setting.
Emerge Australia is proud to be collaborating with Merri Health who lead Carer Gateway in Victoria – a free support service funded by the Australian Government, designed by carers for carers. Carer Gateway is a national, dedicated carer support program which provides a range of support and local services to give unpaid carers the support they need. This includes counselling, coaching, connection with other carers, respite, and practical assistance and support particularly tailored to the carer’s needs. Services are free and available in-person, online or over the phone.
Find out more at carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm local time. Emergency respite is available 24/7 by calling 1800 422 737.
