A Mount Evelyn carer is helping launch a campaign that highlights the importance of unpaid carers, particularly during Covid-19.
Merrin Ayton is a wife, mother of two, full-time high school teacher and primary carer to her elderly mum, Elaine, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.
Elaine, 82-years-old, was diagnosed over six years ago and requires daily assistance with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, travel and booking doctors’ appointments. She also has several other conditions which are heart and tendon-related.
Merrin and Elaine are one of the stories behind Truly Incredible Care, a campaign launched by Carers Victoria that calls on people to support unpaid carers that have faced additional challenges during the pandemic.
Carers Victoria is the peak body representing unpaid carers across the state.
A recent study by the organisation found that 45 per cent of Victorians have helped look after a loved one but only a small number realise their efforts make them unpaid carers.
More women (35 per cent) assumed the roles of carers than men (24 per cent).
As an unpaid carer, Merrin’s daily routine starts about 5.30am. She gets up early to complete
housework before leaving for her teaching job, so that Elaine can have an easier day in her absence.
As a maths and science teacher, Merrin is required to spend a lot of time preparing classes and travelling, which can make scheduling challenging, especially when Elaine needs to attend doctor’s appointments.
Increased restrictions during Covid-19 have altered Merrin’s usual routine, with added pressure from her role as a teacher during remote learning.
At the same time, taking Elaine to the doctors has proved to be a challenge with the five kilometre radius restrictions despite some of Elaine’s appointments being changed to online video calls.
Since assuming the role of primary carer for her mother, there have been some significant financial impacts on Merrin. She’s had to modify her family home to cater to Elaine’s needs, including adding extra handles in the shower and ramps around the house.
But Merrin said nothing could deter her from helping her mum.
“It’s been really nice to repay her for all the years when she cared for us,” Merrin said.
“She’s always been really supportive and wonderful with my boys over the years. She’s been the taxi service for all of us and has done many pick-ups and drop-offs.
“My boys and mum have an amazing relationship and will talk about anything. Their close connection is something that a lot of grandparents could only wish for. It’s very special.”
Several years ago Merrin found out about the support available from Carers Victoria.
“Carers Victoria has helped deepen the understanding of what the unpaid carer role looks like,” Merrin said.
“It has been able to give us a voice, because individually we don’t have the chance to make our voice heard. Having more registered members is critical because the more carers we have, the louder our voice will be.
“Being surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through can be so nourishing, particularly when times get challenging.”
“I’m also grateful to have had my Carers Victoria identification card when visiting my mother
hospital earlier this year, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to see her with the hospital’s Covid-19 visitor restrictions.”
A spokesperson from Carers Victoria said the Truly Incredible Care campaign will raise awareness towards unpaid carers and pay respect to the complexity of their role.
“The thing we want people to understand is that anyone at any time of their life could find themselves becoming a carer to a family member or a friend,” the spokesperson said.
“Becoming an unpaid carer is something that comes upon us and for most it’s a call they take up willingly, particularly for those close to them.”
“We also want to make sure there is somebody there to care for them. Too often, we find that unpaid carers sacrifice their own health and wellbeing in delivering care for loved ones. Our services mean that unpaid carers can feel supported and take a break when they need top.”
For more information on Carers Victoria, visit https://trulyincrediblecare.carersvictoria.org.au/.
