Caregiver perspectives (site 5)
SAID, COLD
Caregivers who engaged with financial counselling were unanimous in finding the intervention beneficial. Four core themes (benefits) emerged and are presented with illustrative quotes, noting some overlap between themes.Theme 1: Reduced stress and gratitude for emotional support and advocacy received.Caregivers described their relationship with the financial counsellor as being empathetic and respectful. The supportive nature of this relationship helped reduce the acute sense of burden and isolation caregivers were experiencing.My financial counsellor was very supportive. She said you are not alone, there are people out there who are experiencing the same thing. So, she had a good talk to me, and after talking to her, I was able to put myself together. [CAREGIVER 4]Caregivers were grateful for the opportunity to share their problems with a trusted and supportive service provider who listened, and for the strong advocacy they received. They experienced unexpected relief from the sense of pressure and hopelessness they had been feeling before referral to the financial counsellor.… it’s like you’re sharing your feelings with someone. So I was just … I couldn’t speak to anybody about it. So, she’s the one who I am open with … open myself and explain my situation. And I got a very positive response from that time, so it was easy for me after that. [CAREGIVER 13]Theme 2: Immediate solutions: crisis management and practical changes to organisation of finances.Caregivers described several ways in which the financial counsellor assisted them. These included acting as a buffer between the caregiver and creditors; helping caregivers manage debt and bills, access entitlements to maximise their income and prevent a debt spiral; and supporting caregivers to prioritise bill payments according to their goals and needs.She was talking to me in a way that made me feel that she would take care of everything. ‘Don't worry, I will have the payments divided into instalments’ … She helped me organize myself. She showed me how to organize my bills and how to make payments. [CAREGIVER 2]This proactive and practical support provided caregivers immediate reprieve.Because it was a big stress, for me, because always [Utility Company] send me notice—you’re late to pay, you’re late to pay. I can’t pay anyway, I can’t do it, and I was worry. You know, they send me always notice, notice … if they cut electricity, it’s hard because winter, cold, kids. So hard … So, I was so happy when I get [help]. [CAREGIVER 8]Theme 3: Increased knowledge and clarity.Caregivers had increased awareness of the support and options available and that they were entitled to access. Caregivers described the personalised advice about finances provided by the financial counsellor.That’s why it was really useful … she really helped with things that we have no idea existed. Can’t find information on. So it was very informative. [CAREGIVER 3]Caregivers valued the opportunity to ask questions when they did not understand something, and have their questions answered by a trusted service provider who understood their circumstances.What I felt when they helped me with how to make payments and how to organise myself. I told you; my parents are overseas. I thought it was like a family. My father teaching me how to make payments and how to organize myself. That’s my feeling.[CAREGIVER 2]Theme 4: Well-being, self-efficacy and empowermentCaregivers described improvements in their confidence and outlook, including more capacity and efficacy as a parent.But my social worker and financial counsellor has been able to uplift me to make that priority along with my family’s needs and open my mind and eyes to see that everything has to be on time, not to burden myself to make things worse. I know my daughter needs my attention, but I know now I have to do this first in order to be able to look after her the right way. [CAREGIVER 4]Caregivers also described having increased control of their personal situation, more stability and feeling less stranded and stressed.I just can say that it is very good that if woman like me will be aware that you can raise your voice and there is help … we should have more resources to have knowledge that we can go to this way. I think it’s the best way if … we have more awareness for the woman who they are like me … that there is help. No matter what situation you are in, there is help. [CAREGIVER 5]