Leigh opens up to Patty Kikos on the importance of asking foster carers the right questions, especially when it comes to dealing with trauma, grief, neurodivergence and challenging behaviours. They discuss how to be inclusive and why support networks are so imperitive. GUEST: Leigh - 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 cgconnections@benevolent.org.au 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.
Leigh opens up to Patty Kikos on the importance of asking foster carers the right questions, especially when it comes to dealing with trauma, grief, neurodivergence and challenging behaviours. They discuss how to be inclusive and why support networks are so imperitive.
GUEST:
Leigh - 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 cgconnections@benevolent.org.au 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
Are there specific ways to communicate with a foster carer?
Leigh
I would say listening is the best start and there are many ways you can listen and it's not just with your ears. It is sometimes about hearing, validating, and not interjecting. It's about practicing to listen.
Patty
They to teach us that you have 2 ears and one mouth, and you need to listen accordingly, would you say it’s something similar, or something deeper than that?
Leigh
I love that, But I think we can go deeper with that too. I learnt on this journey that and “I quote from Dr Stephen R Covey that most people don’t listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply. So we need to practice this… its about your language, posture, eye contact, expression and relaxation and taking the time to not speak whilst the other person is talking, and its sometimes really hard! At the end of the day, everyone is different, because everyone has their own preferred communication style.
Patty
And cultural habits as well.
Leigh
That’s exactly right! Many carers work full time, and the children are often very busy as well! The first time you meet a carer, it is important to set up expectations going forward.
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Billy:
From the Carer Gateway at the Benevolent Society, we welcome you to, Carer Conversations with your host Patty Kikos.
The Care Gateway is the Australian Government national care hub and provides reliable services, support and advice especially for carers.
This podcast is where we share interviews with guests that have specialized knowledge to help support carers to look after their emotional, mental and physical well-being.
We are recording on Aboriginal country, on lands which were never ceded. We acknowledge the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Aboriginal elders, past and present.
Always was, always will be.
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Patty
Welcome to our fabulous carers and listeners. I hope you’ve been well, and I’m delighted that we are connecting again here on Carer Conversations.
We have shared many stories on caring for the elderly, mental health, someone that has a disability, or caring for a partner. But we’ve never shared any stories about being a foster or kinship carer, and much like the caring roles we have already discussed, this is a form of caretaking that might need to happen unexpectedly, for a small amount of time, or occasionally for many years.
In order to qualify for assistance with the Carer Gateway, foster carers fall under the same category as biological parents, in the sense that they would be eligible if they are caring for someone who has a disability or is navigating issues with their mental health.
And this is exactly why I want to introduce you to our guest today, Leigh Wilson. Leigh is a passionate leader of people and currently works as a Team Leader for the Permanency Support Program in Child Protection.
Her dream initially, was to be a journalist. In fact, whilst completing her Bachelor of Communications’ degree, Leigh had some of her articles published in the Blacktown Sun Newspaper as well as what is now known as The Star Observer.
In addition to loving to socialise with friends and family, she loves going to the beach with her 3 mini schnauzers up and down the coast, and where possible with them, going in for a swim. Leigh currently leads a team of Therapeutic Case Workers and is joining us today to speak about the importance of carers in the foster care and kinship care system. Leigh, hello!
Leigh
Hi, Patty!
Patty
Hello. 😊 Now, from published journalist with a Comms degree to a youth worker. Tell me a little bit about that pivot in your journey.
Leigh
I tried it for a while, when I was a student. I had some amazing opportunities, I got to see my published work which was really exciting. I felt like I worked great in a room on my own and I knew that I needed more confidence because I was really shy back then.
So as the years went on, I wanted do so something more and I wasn’t sure what it was, but I knew it was about wanting to have a positive impact on people lives. I wanted my work to mean more when I got up every day
Patty
I understand. Was it always your dream to work with children in the foster care or the out of home care system? I mean, how did you end up there?
Leigh
Well, looking back now, I really wished it was my dream.
Patty
Really?
Leigh
Yes! I left school wanting to be a journalist and study communications.
Patty
Guess what?
Leigh
What?
Patty
So did I.
Leigh
Really?
Patty
Yeah. I wanted to be an investigative journalist and knowing my tenacity at the time, I probably would have gone and reported from some war zone, but this is actually my sliding doors moment where I get to host, and co-produce a podcast and it's a dream come true.
So, let's get back to our mutual passion. foster care.
Leigh
Well, Patty, I can so imagine you reporting from the frontline.
Patty
Well, maybe I wasn't meant to because I'm alive today, but back to our mutual passion, foster care.
Leigh
And in regard to foster care, it was my manager at the time that told me about a role in the foster care team. I didn't want to move from my current role, but my contract was ending. So, I had no idea what this role involved, where to start, or what it was going to mean for my life at the time. And truthfully, I've never looked back. Only with so much appreciation that my manager encouraged me to try something so different, which was well out of my comfort zone.
Patty
So, there was a plot twist, what was the first role you segued into after you decided that journalism wasn’t for you?
Leigh
The first role I had was a Residential Youth Worker, under a program called Specialist Homelessness Services. We supported young people between the ages of 16-25 who were at risk of homelessness. I worked in a refuge, where young people were supported to work on goals like engaging back into education, applying to Uni or TAFE, to begin work, strengthen their living skills, transition to independent housing, and sometimes to return home which was always amazing to see.
Patty
That's incredible to teach people life skills that they would have learned at home if they had one. How did you get the role without qualifications?
Leigh
I mean I had to finish my studies first. I was able to work full-time for 4 days a week where I completed a Diploma of Community Services whilst at my job in transport. I can't forget the call that I made in the car that day asking my friend for her advice on what I needed to do to get there. She told me to enroll in the course at TAFE and she helped me to get the student placement interview. As my placement was finishing up, I was lucky enough to be offered the role after applying, I can't forget that moment either.
Patty
Well, fast forward many years later, you're also in a position of supervising social workers on their student placement. And I know for a fact that you've also been in the position where you've offered students an opportunity to join your team after they've completed their placement.
Leigh
Yes, which I absolutely love! I really love sharing my knowledge with students. This comes with many benefits because they have had some time to learn about the foundations of what we do over their placement and the onboarding is much more seamless because they’ve had time within the agency.
Patty
Take us to out of home care where you work now, can you give our listeners a definition of what that might be, because within this umbrella, there’s also foster care, kinship care and even adoption.
Leigh
Working in OOHC now known as PSP, is where you are working closely with the child, carer and family. So, the ultimate goal is permanency with therapeutic care experience in supporting children’s needs and their recovery from trauma. So, whether that be restoration meaning for a child to return home with their mum/dad/ or family or to work with the child, family and carer to identify the best goal for that child, which can include Guardianship or even Adoption, further down the track.
Patty
I want to ask you about how you define a carer, but before I do, can you share what a therapeutic care experience actually means?
Leigh
For sure, so there are so many elements to this, but its working within a trauma informed framework, so you could look at this from a holistic lens, that is individualised for the child… and a care team approach to the complexities of trauma and what a child has been through as a result of neglect, abuse, being away from their families as well as adversity as a whole and how is this achieved through collaboration and communication. Children need consistency, which is child focused and safe.
Patty
So its not a one size fits all model?
Definitely not, there’s no comparison
Patty
In this context, how is a carer defined? Who are they? Are they just a carer, or do they represent something more?
Leigh
Patty, this is such a good question, there is so much value in this. I feel that this represents so much more than just providing a home for the child, and really should not be undervalued or underestimated. Carers provide a child with a safe, loving, and nurturing environment when a child is not able to live with their family. They also can and do assist in providing the support of reuniting a child with their family if restoration is an option.
Patty
So sometimes they can be a bridge between the time a parent is not able to look after a child until they can. Is that what I’m hearing?
Leigh
Well yes this is true 100% and whilst this is happening, it is also about keeping the child’s routines and rhythms aligned on a daily basis, connecting and supporting family relationships, supporting the child to understand their life story , attending medical, therapy, school, social and sporting activities and more, all the while communicating this to the agency at every crucial step.
Patty
What’s a life story Leigh. Is that a silly question?
Leigh
Patty, did you know that nothing is ever a silly question!!
Patty
I do now!
Leigh
Life story is about a child understanding where they came from, providing information so the child understands their identity as they get older, its about an account of all events that has happened to you throughout your life.
Patty
With your staff, you’re very passionate about emphasising the importance of getting to know each carer, is there a reason for this?
Leigh
Absolutely, this means a lot to me. After working at my current organisation for over 3 years I know that it is so valuable and important to take the time to get to know a carer, how they communicate, what has and hasn’t worked for them and what will work for them going forward. I love the curiosity aspect; you need to ask questions because communication is an intrinsic value to me as a leader and sharing my knowledge where I can with my team, especially if they are new to the role. I also aim to limit the repeat of information where possible as this information can sometimes get lost.
Patty
So, you mean asking questions about how they live their life, what their values are and ensuring these questions aren’t being repeated?
Leigh
Absolutely, yes when it's appropriate, but also information about the child.
Patty
Are there specific ways to communicate with a foster carer?
Leigh
I would say listening is the best start and there are many ways you can listen and it's not just with your ears. It is sometimes about hearing, validating, and not interjecting. It's about practicing to listen.
Patty
They to teach us that you have 2 ears and one mouth, and you need to listen accordingly, would you say it’s something similar, or something deeper than that?
Leigh
I love that, But I think we can go deeper with that too. I learnt on this journey that and “I quote from Dr Stephen R Covey that most people don’t listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply. So we need to practice this… its about your language, posture, eye contact, expression and relaxation and taking the time to not speak whilst the other person is talking, and its sometimes really hard! At the end of the day, everyone is different, because everyone has their own preferred communication style.
Patty
And cultural habits as well.
Leigh
That’s exactly right! Many carers work full time, and the children are often very busy as well! The first time you meet a carer, it is important to set up expectations going forward, and put everything on the table.
Patty
So, what does ‘setting expectations’ mean in this context?
Leigh
It can literally mean, asking, what works for you? We work collaboratively with the carer, the child and their families, so it can mean setting up goals for the child and working toward them but also communicating openly if things aren’t moving as fast as you had planned and being comfortable to share that. It can start with what are the child’s favourite things, it can even be like, what is their favourite snack so I can bring it along when I meet them for the first time so they feel more comfortable.
Patty
How do you support carers who are looking after children with special needs because this is the context where they would contact the Carer Gateway?
Leigh
Yes of course, Many carers are caring for children with a complex trauma background and complex health needs and disabilities, often who no longer live with their families. When I think about this, it could start with something like, are you linked in with community supports so in some cases it would be the Carer Gateway. It could be about exploring the existing family network, who are their friends? Who can they turn to? Would you be willing to explore further training in a specific area. When it comes to a medical or clinical space, do you need support in sourcing a Pediatrician, a Psychologist, a Counsellor, exploring school supports, it could be assisting with an NDIS application for a new carer.
Patty
And you assist with all of that? So, would one of your team members be the case managers in this scenario?
Leigh
Yes, my team are all the case managers in this case, this forms part of their role in the support of the child and carer.
I think at the end of the day, it's about being there when they need advice, it could be answering that phone call, support with a specialist, or attendance at a school meeting. Nothing is off the table. As an agency we have access to lots of different workshops in the community, training days and community events and it's important to share these where we can!
Patty
Generally speaking, would you say there are 2 types of foster carers – those that inherit the caring duties from family members that might have lost custody of their children temporarily or otherwise, and other carers who choose to foster children in need?
Leigh
Yes of course this is true, but no matter what or how a carer has come to look after a child or adolescent, they still need the training and support from the agency and the networks around them.
Patty
Yes I definitely agree with this, and for the demographic of our podcast, many of our carers are sometimes already in a caring role, when they might end up additionally caring for a child or adolescent as a kinship or out of home care carer.
Leigh
Yes, that’s true. For me, this also is contingent on what ‘family finding’ work occurred and the continuation of ‘family finding’ work by the agency to identify family members in the network.
Patty
Is that what ‘family finding’ work means, finding blood family?
Leigh
Yes of course, it could be finding mum, or dad, or a sibling, or extended family member, it could also mean someone that is closely connected to the family. If I may give an example, when a child comes into care, the case plan goal is restoration. The caseworker will work collectively with the department to evidence the progress of mum or dad, or both, before the Children’s court. So, if restoration is not a possibility, then the next preferred step is to explore family members, which is known as a foster care kinship placement.
Patty
Maybe we can speak about how many well-intentioned would-be foster carers attend the training – which it’s 2 days, but it’s the actual lived experience that is often where the rubber meets the road, and its where many realise they are not adequately equipped to deal with trauma and the challenging behaviours that come with it.
Leigh
Regarding statistics, I don’t want to make any assumptions as I’m not directly involved in this in my current role. I have seen foster carers go through all the training and assessment process and have seen things become too overwhelming for many reasons after a child is placed in their care.
Patty
Is it because of challenging behaviors?
Yes, at times, but it can also be due to other factors, it's really important to consider that a behaviour always has a meaning. It always tells a story, sometimes we do not always know why, or what the answer at the time and this can be a challenging lived experience for a carer.
I think it’s important though, that we never underestimate a carers experience whether they are new to caring or have been a carer for a long time.
Patty
What do you mean by that?
Leigh
From my experience, carers do an amazing job, sometimes in the most difficult of situations, they are navigating their own personal lives and while also giving their all to the children in their care, they could be caring for an elderly parent or a partner or child that is navigating a disability.
Patty
And this can be tough for foster carers wo are already caring for either an elderly parent or a loved one navigating a disability or mental health issues.
Leigh
Yes, absolutely it can
Patty
So, your journey previously began with carers, which meant that you always got to know the carer first. How does this influence how you work in your role today?
Leigh
I am so glad that it did begin with carers, because it has really shaped my perception of the work I do today.
My journey did begin with a role as a Placement Intake worker, which looked at the household dynamic, experience and history of a carer household before I looked at placing a child in that home whether that be short or long term.
It also meant that for all the carers that did not have any children in their care at the time, I would touch base with them, go out for a home visit for a chat and a cup of tea.
Patty
How does this influence your work today?
Leigh
This influences my work today because it helped me to value and understand the importance of the carer’s relationship with the agency and their caseworker. It showed me the value of trust and open communication and working alongside them for the child, and as a team.
Patty
Leigh, carers have often expressed that they feel invisible, or their opinions being disregarded in the medical profession especially against specialist who have studied for many years and might know about a health condition in a generic sense, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a specialist for your loved one who you care for every day. Do you have some thoughts on that?
Leigh
I haven’t had experience with hearing this exactly, although some carers have had their own thoughts about mental health conditions or potential diagnoses based on the child’s presentation or behaviour at home, school or even socially.
In this case, I would strongly encourage them to discuss this with a trusted clinical professional.
Then on the flip side, some carers will learn about a child’s diagnosis and prefer to try a less clinical intervention as well, for example to try school-based interventions, or look to an occupational therapist, or explore another form of therapy. It is about balancing this, hearing the concerns, encouraging the communication flow and listening. We shouldn’t dismiss the carer experience and their knowledge.
Patty
Have you ever matched foster carers with children, or is it more a case of this is urgent, as this child needs a home now?
Leigh
My first role in the sector, yes in my Intake Role. It depends on the situation, sometimes you have time where you can carefully plan this, to allow the appropriate sharing of information and work on a transition plan, other times its urgent.
In (some) of my experience when a child is removed from their family for example, it means that they go into an emergency or short-term placement. This could be for a few days, a week or more. Again this depends on the availability of foster carers that are within an agency.
Patty
Or even if you are aware of family members that are available to take them is that correct?
Leigh
Yes, that’s a good point, but not always possible.
Patty
Is there a law that will emphasise whether children need to be matched with carers from their own cultural identity? I’m asking regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young adults that hail from CALD communities
Leigh
Yes, regarding Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander children you will find this in Section 13 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, where the aim of this is to preserve culture and sense of identity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.
Patty
Oh I see
Leigh
And this outlines the order of placement for Aboriginal children. So where possible, the aim is for children to be placed within their immediate family, extended family, kinship group, or other Aboriginal community to remain connected to their culture.
Patty
Is this always possible?
Leigh
No, it’s not always possible unfortunately.For children, where possible there is an aim toconsider the culture of a child and carer and place where culturally appropriate. A lot of the time this is not the case, so cultural planning becomes a priority.
Patty
Cultural Planning - What is it?
Leigh
Cultural planning is exploring and supporting the child’s understanding of their culture. It is about the right of the child to have a chance to learn, live and breathe their cultural heritage, family is also culture and this should be the foundation of where this starts, so your communication should always begin with the child, birth family and extended family network.
Patty
Leigh is this only applicable to ATI children or CALD communities?
Both
Patty
What does it include?
It includes communicating and consulting with the birth and extended families, to explore tradition, religion, cultural norms, celebrations, spiritual and family traditions, their wishes for the child and also connecting the carer to community groups.
Patty
And the child to their extended family?
Leigh
Yes, definitely. It is also about supporting that child and carer with resources to enable them to do so. (its not just about eating a particular food, or going to a festival, though this is a great way to explore this as well). Culture is deeper than that, its intrinsic, and it is about connection of a child to their family to have the family share stories with the child as they grow, so they can tell these stories when they get older and the memories that they can share so it’s not lost within generations.
Patty
Is there also a law that stipulates that foster children must be younger than your own biological children if you have them? Because in cases of kinship care, that might not always be possible.
Leigh
There is not a law that stipulates this to my knowledge, it’s more of a recommendation and generally, an agency will place a child that is two years younger than their youngest child.
Patty
How do we navigate a relationship where children are still in contact with their birth family while being cared for by a different carer? I’m just thinking of how hard it is in terms of attachment – both ways.
Leigh
This is always such an interesting question and can be a challenging space. I think it’s so important to have conversations about this right at the start and look at how this can begin to be facilitated, because there are many situations where children may have lost contact with their families over years, and when it gets to this point, it becomes harder to then reconnect.
Patty
This is tricky because a child that is between 10-14 can’t be MADE to see a parent if they don’t want to, but they have the right to have their voice heard and have their own agency
Leigh
Yes it is a tricky space, children have a right to their own voice and this should be respected, but they also need to have the opportunity to be given this information so that they can make the choice that is right for them.
This is something that we work towards now more than ever and this needs to be prioritised when safe and appropriate to do so.We explore the carer thoughts and feelings around having that direct relationship with the parents and family unit, this way it becomes more natural for the child as opposed to having a worker supervise a visit and there is more flexibility with this. I’ve known many carers that are doing this and there are some amazing relationships forming and this is what our aim is.
Patty
If a child has been removed and restoration is being considered, the process can take up to 2 years. Something that can be distinct for foster carers versus carers of family that are navigating an illness or a disability, is that foster caring can often be a temporary solution until the child / children can be placed with their family again. I can only imagine how heart wrenching that can possibly be, especially when you have formed an attachment with the child.
Leigh
Yes definitely, and so many situations vary, I have worked with children that have been restored to their families within 6 months, others it has taken years. Some carers are only authorised as short-term carers and will be open to caring for a child for as long as it takes for that child to be restored or find a permanent placement.
I worked with a carer family years ago where the plan was for the child to remain there, but things shifted for the child to be placed with their siblings. It was heartbreaking for the carers at the same time, and it’s a difficult space to sit in on all sides.
I think for a lot of carers through my experience, they never forget the children they have cared for even for a short while and I have heard some amazing stories of children that have touched their hearts over the years and still keep in touch with them.
Patty
Once a child receives long term orders they are in the care of the minister if there is no chance of restoration.??
Leigh
Yes that is correct, until they are 18 years old, this is known as Long Term Care, but as we spoke about earlier, Guardianship or Adoption can be a pathway for the future if it is in the best interests of the child. In my experience I have also seen birth parents come back after years to submit a section 90, which means reverting the court order back to interim orders, and the child has returned to family. I have seen placements breakdown after 8 years for that child to then be placed back with family. Anything is possible, and I have seen some amazing outcomes!
Patty
Your team gets the calls from frazzled carers saying, “I’ve been up all night, and this is what’s happened.” How do you navigate whether a carer needs extra support or is experiencing a full-blown crisis?
Leigh
Honestly, yes this happens. My approach is always to think, step back, not make any decisions in that moment. After listening to what has been going on, it comes down to asking the questions, sometimes it can be as simple as, are they ok, how are they feeling, do they require any support in that moment.
Sometimes this means going out to the child then and there, or reaching out to a support network for them. It can mean taking the child out for a few hours, so the carer can have some space.
Patty
Really? You do that?
Leigh
Yep absolutely!
It can be asking about their support networks. Honestly, it needs to start with listening to what they have to say so that they feel heard. I will always take my team into a quiet space, or make myself available for them to chat about it and getting the details before the next step. Most importantly though, the relationship that you have with your carer, the more likely you are to know in that instance, what they need, and how to navigate it.
Yes, which I absolutely love. And I really love sharing my knowledge with students. And this comes with many benefits because they have had some time to learn about the foundations of what we do over their placement. And the onboarding is so much more seamless. Because they've had time within the agency.
Patty
I get that take us to out of home care where you work now. Can you give our listeners a definition of what that might be because.
Patty
Yeah. And for them to trust you to say, hey, something big has happened.
Leigh
That's it.
Patty
Or come up and I don't know how to tell you. Do you have? Any words of wisdom that you might be able to share with foster carers?
Leigh
So I really want to turn this back around and be a bit cheeky here. Can I do that?
Patty
Absolutely. It's your interview.
Leigh
So, I think we need carers to share words of wisdom with us so that we can continue learning from them and create change in the sector.
Patty
So, what does that mean? Carers need a platform to share what works and what doesn't. I love that.
Leigh
Exactly, carers have the lived experience day by day, sometimes they know the child best, they know what works and doesn’t work.
Patty
This is very true. I'm so glad you said that. I feel like I have picked your brain enough. It's only fair that I reward you with some rapid-fire wrap up questions, what do you think?
Leigh
OK, go for it!
Patty
Can you or do you ride a motorbike?
Leigh
So my mum said that I was not allowed to ever get one, so I never crossed my mind as I was too scared. But I do love riding as a passenger.
Patty
Ohh, I can't ride to save my life either. Leigh, what is your greatest strength?
Leigh
I would say as a proud Libran, flexibility and balance, being able to see 2 sides of the story as well as the in betweens. But I find it really hard to make decisions at times.
Patty
Ohh but that just adds to your charm. What is your favourite word?
Leigh
I'm going to have to go with “excellent”. I really liked Mr. Burns growing up.
Patty
Do you say it in his accent?
Leigh mimics the accent perfectly.
Patty
It's always scary asking someone that question because it could be a swear word that comes out. Do you have a bucket list experience that you'd like to fulfil this year?
Leigh
So more of a healthy lifestyle, which I'm starting to work on now, but to also start singing and playing guitar again and recording myself.
Patty
That is fantastic. Does the healthy lifestyle include more exercise or better food?
Leigh
Ohh both.
Patty
Yeah, I'm with you. If you had to choose a favourite meal, would it be pizza or would it be a burger?
Leigh
So, I am very fussy, so 100% a veggie or pepperoni pizza, but it has to be from Domino's.
Patty
I love the extreme. It's either veggie, or full of meat.
Leigh
And it doesn't take a lot to make me happy, if pizza is an option.
Patty
I hear you. Do you know they have wonderful gluten free bases?
Leigh
I had heard. Yes.
Patty
They're delicious. And this is my last one. What traits do you value most in relationships?
Leigh
Respect.
Patty
Yes! Beautiful answer. Thank you, Leigh. Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your wonderful wisdom.
Leigh
Thank you so much for having me here.
Patty
What a wonderful insight into an aspect of life that so many of our listeners also navigate on top of their existing caring role. As I mentioned earlier, to qualify for assistance with the Carer Gateway, foster carers fall under the same category as biological parents. So, they would be eligible if they are caring for someone who has a disability or is navigating issues with their mental health.
And as always, if this was an episode you learned a lot from, or feel compelled to share with someone else who can benefit, liking subscribing and leaving us a 5 star review really helps us get to the right listening ears, so that carers can feel supported in their caring role.
Til next time, sending you all the love, and hoping you take really good care of yourself. J
Billy:
If you are caring for a relative or a friend who has a disability, a mental health condition, a life limiting health or medical condition.
Or they are frail because they're getting older. Please contact us at Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, or look us up on www.carergateway.gov.au
And if you are a carer, you're allowed to take time to look after yourself. You are just as important as the person you take care of.