Barbara Minuzzo has had a lifelong journey in unpaid care. This began with Barbara looking after her father who battled high-level dementia. This demanding role set her on a path of continuous caregiving.

Today, she cares for her mother, who has experienced a stroke and suffers from high-level dementia. Her focus remains on enhancing her mother's independence and quality of life.

Barbara finds immense fulfillment in her role. It's a conscious choice born from knowing her mother would feel lost in an environment where she can't speak the language. Support from organizations like Merri Health Gateway has been invaluable for Barbara, providing her with the necessary backing to continue her challenging but rewarding role.

Being a caregiver involves more than just fulfilling physical needs. It's about addressing the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual complexities of those cared for, which many often overlook.

Barbara treasures the small joys, like picking flowers from the garden with her mum, which bring a sense of normality and happiness amidst the daily challenges. She highlights that carers need time and space for self-care and mindfulness. Planning for these moments is essential, as caregiving can be an around-the-clock responsibility.

Barbara's dedication and insights offer a profound understanding of the unpaid carers' world. Her ongoing journey is both inspiring and enlightening, emphasising the importance of gratitude, patience, and self-care.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the BUPA Foundation (Australia) through their Community Grants Program. To find out more, head to https://www.bupafoundation.org/.