Caring For Carers
As an essential service provider, Carers SA is open and committed to supporting the SA community through this recent COVID-19 challenge.
Carers SA wants to continue to make sure that:
- We continue providing services to carers
- We contribute to the wider public good and do our bit to reduce the spread of the virus
Most importantly be kind to yourself during this period and we are here for you if you need us, please call us anytime on 1800 422 737.
Changes to our service delivery
There are some changes to our services due to the impact of COVID-19 Lockdown in South Australia. These changes are occurring to adhere to the Government regulations with respect to social distancing and to ensure our carers and the people they care for are safe.
Our phone based Carer Support Planners are available to support carers. This service is free and confidential, and available Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm, with professional counsellors available to talk through any concerns you may have. To access this telephone: 1800 422 737.
- Emergency respite and respite through financial directed packages are still available and will be offered throughout this period. To access this telephone 1800 422 737.
- Carer counselling and coaching are now available via phone or online, and the process to access this support has not changed, please call 1800 422 737, Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm.
- Peer Groups are still available via online
Due to the constant changing Covid-19 environment, we recommend carers regularly access the relevant Government and SA Health websites for the most up-to-date information.
Useful links for Carers on COVID-19
It is important to have access to accurate and up to date information during this health emergency:
- The Australian Government has launched a dedicated website with the latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia: https://www.australia.gov.au/
- The South Australian Government has a COVID-19 Gateway – sa.gov.au/covid-19
- SA Health has dedicated local information: sahealth.sa.gov.au
- Covid-19 advice for carers SA Health Advice For Carers
- Contact Tracing – SA Health site http://sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDcontacttracing
- Testing site info/locations Site locations
- Booking vaccination appointments Book a Vaccine
- The Australian Government’s Department of Health is the official website for the federal response: health.gov.au
- A dedicated state hotline is now available to South Australians and will provide local information on COVID-19 (8am to 8pm, seven days):SA COVID-19 Information Line – 1800 253 787
- Covid-19 Hotline for Older Australians – Older people and carers are encouraged to call 1800 171 866 to speak to friendly, specially trained staff from a senior’s advocacy organisation.
- If you are worried you may have come into contact with COVID-19 please call the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080 which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need translating or interpreting services call or 131 450.
COVID-19 resources in community languages
Covid-19 Information in different languages Information in your language
Several organisations have developed resources in a range of community languages:
SBS is providing news and information about coronavirus (COVID-19) is available below in 63 languages: sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus
Australian Government Department of Health:health.gov.au/resources/translated
The Settlement Council of Australia: scoa.org.au/sector-collaboration/sector-updates/covid-19-coronavirus-resources/
Mental health support
It’s normal to feel stress and worry when there is a health event happening in the community that is affecting people’s wellbeing. For information on coping and mental health support see:
For mental health support by phone and video in relation to COVID-19, contact the SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line by calling 1800 632 753, available 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, 7 days a week). This service can also provide follow-up calls.
The support line will be staffed from 8am to 8pm and can be reached at 1800 632 753.
More information can be found at sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019
Beyond Blue Support Service
The Beyond Blue Support Service offers short term counselling and referrals by phone 24/7 and webchat on 1300 224 636 or visit:
Get Immediate Support
Red Cross Telecross COVID-19 Support Service
The phone service has been activated to support South Australians whose wellbeing is impacted as a result of COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolated measures.
Vulnerable South Australians can opt to receive a free, daily potentially life-saving phone call checking on their welfare in response to COVID-19.
Specially trained Red Cross staff and volunteers will make the calls, asking clients questions including how they are coping and if they need medical or food supplies, as well as reiterating latest government health advice.
For further information telephone: 1800 188 071 or visit
Red cross Telecross
Mental Health Emergency – Call 13 14 65
For assistance in a mental health emergency, contact the mental health triage service – telephone 13 14 65 available 24 hours, seven days a week.
Financial supports available
The Australian Government’s Treasury Department is the official site for the economic response. To access this go to
More Information
Ageing relatives and friends
The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a fact sheet for the information and advice of older Australians in relation to COVID-19:
More Information
Caring for a person with dementia
Dementia Australia has a range of information sheets on the COVID-19 virus. Visit:
Dementia Australia
Action by Carers SA in the future
Carers SA will continue to communicate to you regularly with any updates and we encourage you to check our website regularly or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Carers can also access our services via telephone: 1800 422 737.