Across our community, many people quietly take on one of the most demanding roles there is — caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness. It’s a role shaped by love, commitment and compassion, but it can also bring exhaustion, uncertainty and emotional strain.
The Carer Support Services are built on a simple belief: carers deserve the same level of care, understanding and support as the people they are caring for.
Compassionate Support When You Need It Most
Caring for someone with a life-limiting illness can be overwhelming, especially when you are navigating complex health systems, changing routines and the emotional weight of what lies ahead.
Karuna’s dedicated Carer Support team provides both practical assistance and emotional guidance, helping carers feel more confident, informed and supported in their role. Support is tailored to each individual and led by what matters most to the carer, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Carers are also supported to connect with others who understand their experience, reducing isolation and creating a sense of shared understanding during a challenging time.
Emotional Wellbeing and Everyday Support
Karuna understands that caring doesn’t just affect your schedule — it affects your wellbeing. That’s why their team offers one-on-one support to help carers manage stress, build coping strategies and feel more in control of day-to-day life.
Support can include help with administrative planning, understanding what to expect as an illness progresses, and connecting with trusted services and resources. The aim is to reduce overwhelm and make life feel more manageable, one step at a time.
Grief and Bereavement Care
Support does not end when caring responsibilities change or come to an end. Karuna provides ongoing grief and bereavement support through peer groups and specialised counselling, helping carers and families navigate loss with compassion and care.
Bereaved carers can access support for up to 12 months after loss, through connection, shared stories and carer-led discussions focused on grief, meaning and moving forward. This program is co-designed with carers, ensuring it reflects real experiences and real needs.
Who Can Access Support?
Karuna supports unpaid carers caring for a family member or friend with a life-limiting illness, regardless of where they are on the journey.
This includes:
- Current carers, whether providing emotional, physical or practical support. You don’t need to be the primary carer, and you don’t need to identify as one.
- Bereaved carers, navigating life after the loss of someone they cared for.
- Carers of all ages, with no income or means testing required.
The person receiving care does not need to live with the carer, and services are provided free of charge across Brisbane North, Brisbane South and the Gold Coast.
Supporting Carers Through Connection and Advocacy
Through Karuna’s Wellways Carer Gateway partnership, carers can also access practical guidance, education, advocacy and specialised counselling to support their unique situation.
For health professionals, community workers and neighbours, referrals play an important role. Many carers don’t realise they are carers, or that support is available. Referrals can be made directly by carers or by professionals with consent, helping ensure no one carries the burden alone.
Reach Out for Support
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from carer support, Karuna encourages you to get in touch. With consent, someone you trust can also make contact on your behalf.
Phone: (07) 3632 8300
Email: carers@karuna.org.au
Address: 27 Cartwright Street, Windsor QLD 4030
Website: click here
In a role that often goes unseen, Karuna is there to remind carers that their wellbeing matters too — and that support is always within reach.
