Carer Conversations

Patty Kikos interviews Warwick Doughty about his devotion to the care of his beloved wife Annie who has dementia. “Wazza”, as he is affectionately known, enjoyed an illustrious career that included being the general manager of Luna Park in Sydney. He speaks candidly about how his generation, the baby boomers didn’t prepare men for the stress of a caring role, and how he is determined to prove them wrong. 
 

GUEST:

Warwick Doughty & Dementia Australia - https://www.dementia.org.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. 

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Patty Kikos interviews Caitlyn Brine who shares about all the wonderful services that Camp Quality provides, to bring positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer. From their family camps & experiences, education programs, and puppet play dates, Camp Quality helps to rebuild resilience for children and their families.

GUEST:

Caitlyn Brine - https://www.campquality.org.au/https://cancerhub.org.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. 

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Patty Kikos interviews James Fenech who shares his journey of choosing to study psychology after discovering that his original engineering choice wasn’t inspiring him. James became a disability support worker and then a young carer coordinator who now has a passion for facilitating men’s groups and workshops. 

GUEST:

James Fenech - https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. 

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Patty Kikos interviews Marg Cruthers who tells us about the wonderful free assistance that Seniors Rights Services provides for older people through advocacy and legal advice. They assist people who are either disadvantaged or vulnerable, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or other, or are in regional, rural or in remote locations. This episode is a cracker as Marg shares a story of how they helped someone experiencing financial elder abuse, and is a must listen!

GUEST:

Marg Cruthers - https://seniorsrightsservice.org.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. 

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Patty Kikos interviews Jack Lawton who is a psychotherapist and one of the counsellors at Carer Gateway in Sydney. They discuss what counselling is and what it’s not, what to expect from your session, along with some stories of what some carers have experienced through their counselling sessions.

GUEST:

Jack Lawton - https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. 

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

This month, Patty Kikos interviews Lisa Short, who is the NDIS state manager for New South Wales and ACT. Lisa outlines how to apply to be a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme, what the criteria are, as well as the future plans that the agency has to be of greater service to more people. 

GUEST:

Lisa Short - https://www.ndis.gov.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. 

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

This month, Patty Kikos interviews Kristina Duke, an expert on decluttering and home organisation. As a mum and wife who lives with 3 very different neurodivergent people in her home, Kristina has the lived experience of understanding the varied needs that many require in order to function with joy, ease and sustainability. Kristina is passionate about bringing this level of respect and empathy to her clients. 
 

GUEST:

Kristina Duke - https://declutteringdiva.com.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

This month, Patty Kikos interviews Margaret Skagias, a social worker who founded a charity called CaringKids, which offers practical support for young carers aged 18 years or less, who provide care for a family member living with a disability or chronic illness. CaringKids provides Toy Boxes (or Joy Boxes) to young carers Australia-wide, containing toys, books, puzzles, games, arts and craft materials, stationery, sports equipment and books.

GUEST:

Margaret Skagias - https://caringkids.org.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier. 

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Patty Kikos interviews Justin Bott from Services Australia, who explains the difference between a Carer Payment and a Carer Allowance. We discuss the Age Pension, the Disability Payment, as well as other financial supplements that carers might be eligible for. Justin also offers tips on how to apply for payments either online, in person or over the phone. 

GUEST:

Justin Bott - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Patty Kikos has the pleasure of interviewing Way Ahead CEO, Sharon Grocott, whose daughter Amber, was born with a physical and mild intellectual disability. She was not able to kick or catch a ball or experience feeling on the balls of her feet, but Amber could ride a horse and compete in dressage comps. Despite learning to thrive, Sharon’s family’s lives were turned upside down when Amber was hospitalised at age 22 with psychosis, before being officially diagnosed with schizophrenia.

GUEST:

Sharon Grocott - https://wayahead.org.au/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow Patty on Instagram

Follow The Benevolent Society on Instagram

Follow Carer Gateway on Facebook

Follow The Benevolent Society on Facebook

CREDITS:

Host – Patty Kikos

Producers – Patty Kikos and John Hresc

Sound Engineer – John Hresc

GET IN TOUCH:

Carer Gateway is proud to offer emotional and practical services and support for carers with the aim of making your life easier.

You can call us on 1800 422 737 to find out more about peer support groups, counselling, coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, emergency respite, other government supports, as well as tips and information, or visit our online home at www.carergateway.gov.au

Got some questions or thoughts for Patty or the team? Email us at [email protected] and put ‘Attention Patty’ in the subject line.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Benevolent Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.