CarerCast: Recent Episodes
Nicole Vass
Welcome to CarerCast! This is a space where unpaid carers have the opportunity to share their story with the world. After Nicole became a carer for her Father in 2019, she began working in the carer space and interviewing unpaid carers about their well-being and their circumstances. She realised that carers have such incredible and unique stories to share, but no platform on which to share it. And thus, CarerCast was born. Nicole interviews everyday carers and discusses the highs, the lows and the love associated with unpaid caring. Artwork by Amelia Hunt (insta: @blauebelle)
Today I spoke with a fellow Nicole, a carer and health professional in the Aged care space after caring for her Nanna who passed in 2015.
Nicole shares some invaluable insights into caring as a healthcare professional and how it differs to the average experience, and shares her story of starting her own business to support other carers and carees through the Aged care process.
Today, Nicole spoke to Jodie, a mum of 2 and carer to her 20 year-old son, Lucas. Jodie and Nicole discuss the journey of raising a child on the autism spectrum, challenged of pre and post diagnosis and how Jodie's parenting experience was altered by the judgement and expectations of others, both on herself and her son.
In this weeks' episode Nicole talks to Adrian, a father of 3 boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses, among genetic and intellectual disabilities.
Nicole and Adrian discuss the cherished moments of parenting multiple children with special needs, the importance of maintaining the love in a marriage and for yourself through your caring journey, and the critical role education played for Adrian in accepting and embracing their reality and day to day challenges.
Self-care links re: carers of individuals with autism:
Autism Awareness Australia: https://www.autismawareness.com.au/therapies/parents-carers
Autism Spectrum Australia: autismspectrum.org.au/how-can-we-help/autism-advisor-program/other-funding-and-financial-support-options
Autism Connect Australia (phone support & information): 1300 308 669
Autism-related Education:
10 things children with autism wish you knew: https://suelarkey.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Tip-Sheet-10-Things.pdf
Book recommendation: Uniquely Human; Different way of seeing autism by Dr. Barry Prizant
Today, Nicole speaks to young carer Joanna, who cared for her Mother from the age of 15 - 21 while she suffered from hormonal breast cancer. Joanna's mother passed away on July 30th, 2021.
Raising the Barre
"Raising the barre" on mental health one dance step at a time.
Facebook: Raising the Barre
Instagram: @raising.the.barre00
Book that discusses mind and body trauma:
The Body Keeps the Score - Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk
For those that struggle after today's episode:
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
Cancer Council Support - 13 11 20
Cancer Council - Caring for someone with cancer. https://www.cancersa.org.au/support/caring-for-someone-with-cancer/
In this episode Nicole spoke to Natasha, a Mum of 3 who cares for her daughter (a twin) that lives with a genetic disorder.
Nicole speaks to Raelene, a carer from Canberra who cared for her Father for 3.5 years, while he lived with stage 4 lung cancer.