National Carers Week: Extra support for carers through BaptistCare at home
This National Carers Week, we’re recognising the dedication of carers across our communities.
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03 October 2025
Stories
| Home Care
Caring for a loved one can be challenging and at BaptistCare at home, we know how important it is to feel supported. Alongside day-to-day care services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP), we also offer additional programs including Final Footprints, Stronger Carers and Refresh Retreats. These programs are designed to help you and your loved one feel more connected, supported and confident.
Final Footprints (NSW – Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast)
Delivered by BaptistCare at home in partnership with Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN), Final Footprints is a care coordination service for people with a life-limiting (non-malignant) illness and their carers.
Currently in pilot phase, the program is designed to help you feel more equipped, supported and confident with caring for someone with a life-limiting illness at home.
Thanks to PHN funding, this service is offered free and provides:
- Education on symptom management, palliative care approaches and advance care planning
- Support to define personal goals, access specialised services and coordinate care transitions
- Advocacy and assistance to navigate health and aged care systems, including access to culturally appropriate supports
Stronger Carers (ACT)
Stronger Carers is our dedicated coaching program for people in the ACT who are caring for a loved one living with dementia.
- A trained care coach works alongside you in your home to:
- Gain insight into dementia, its progression, and compassionate approaches to supporting your loved one
- Help you connect with respite options that suit your needs, from in-home and day centre programs to emergency or short-term care
- Equip you with tools for self-care and restoring balance
- Connect you with other carers, services and assistive technology
Stronger Carers is fully funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and is free for carers.
Refresh Retreats (NSW, ACT and WA)
Sometimes what you need most is space to pause, learn and connect, knowing your loved one is safe, cared for and engaged nearby. BaptistCare’s Refresh Retreats create that space for you across NSW, ACT and WA.
Over three days and two nights in a peaceful, home-like setting, you and your loved one attend parallel sessions where:
- You can join workshops on dementia, care strategies, planning and self-care
- Your loved one takes part in tailored activities, designed to be meaningful and enjoyable
You come together in shared sessions that nurture connection, friendship and reflection
Refresh Retreats are fully funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, so there’s no cost to attend. Carers often tell us they gain “light-bulb moments,” renewed hope and practical ideas that ripple into everyday life.
Pauline & Robert’s Refresh Retreat experience
After attending a BaptistCare Refresh Retreat in Port Macquarie, Pauline and Robert discovered fresh hope, practical tools and renewed confidence.
Pauline has been Robert’s carer since his dementia diagnosis and is always looking for ways to make his journey – and therefore their journey – a little easier. While Robert took part in activities, Pauline joined workshops on dementia strategies, planning ahead and caring for herself.
She says the support she and Robert have received has been invaluable:
“It’s that sense of knowing you are already on the right track and then gaining extra help in a few areas, which is so very welcome.”
Pauline describes the Refresh Retreat as a turning point, one that helped her feel reassured about the future while giving Robert new confidence and a new sense of purpose.
Extra support for carers through BaptistCare at home
At BaptistCare at home, we’re here to walk alongside you as you care for your loved one with programs that support, encourage and make the journey a little easier.
To learn more, or to access any of our BaptistCare at home programs, call us on 1300 275 227 or make an enquiry. We’re here to help.