CARING FOR THE CARERS

Australians across the country are struggling to meet the needs of family members

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From their remote home in the Northern Territory, Catherine and Brad Fielke are reflecting on their first solo holiday since becoming parents.

“It was amazing, we didn’t know what to do with ourselves,” laughs Catherine, 42, an administrator.

But the holiday last June was only made possible because Catherine and Brad - parents to Mitchell, nine, and Jackson, 11 - spent a year planning the trip. This was necessary as they had to ensure Mitchell’s care needs were meticulously planned out so his grandparents could follow them without issue.

“We flew Brad’s parents up here and booked them a year in advance! But it was challenging, having to record every tiny little detail and have lists upon lists and what to do if something happens,” says Catherine.