Miriam Sonego is deeply attuned to the needs of carers, having provided direct care for her late mother and connected her to essential services that enabled her to live independently.
With over 20 years of experience in the aged and disability sector, including a decade managing the Cumberland/Prospect Carer Respite Centre with Baptist Care, Miriam brings a wealth of knowledge to her advocacy.
Miriam highlights several persistent challenges faced by carers, such as limited access to respite services, long waiting lists for community aged packages, and the overwhelming demands of caregiving that often lead them to neglect their own health. Many carers are unaware of the available support due to time constraints, which can result in heightened stress and missed opportunities for assistance.
The wellbeing, psychological distress and social connectedness reported by respondents to the 2022 National Carer Survey conducted by Carers NSW, together with the Australian State and Territory Carer Organisations remains at concerning levels, similar to the 2020 Survey. Almost half of all respondents (47.5%) experience high to very high levels of psychological distress, and 56.3% are socially isolated or highly socially isolated.
Currently volunteering with Hills Community Aid, Miriam is helping to organise the upcoming Carers Connect Expo on October 16 as part of Carer’s Week celebrations. She emphasises “The Carers Connect Expo will be a valuable event for carers, their families, and the wider community to meet service providers and learn about available resources for carers of the elderly and people with disabilities. We hope this expo will empower carers in their vital roles.”
Attendees can look forward to representatives from various organisations, including Hills Community Care, Lifestart, the Hills Community Medical Equipment Pool, Dementia Australia, and Vital Call emergency alert systems. Local Senior Constable Mick Barnes from the Hills Shire Police Area Command will also be on hand to address concerns regarding safety and vulnerability. Additionally, wellness professionals will offer activities like Gentle Exercise for Better Health and provide information about ongoing wellness activities and courses available.
Miriam notes, “In my research, I couldn’t find a Carers Support group in the Hills district. One of my hopes for the Carers Expo is to inspire interest in establishing a local support group for carers.” The Carers Connect Expo is on Wednesday 16 October 10am-1pm in Balcombe Heights Estate. For more information about the Carers Connect Expo, visit www.hca.org.au or call 9639 8620.
