By Jo De Riva

I had the pleasure of meeting Simona Mardin of Carers Queensland Inc. recently and it certainly opened my eyes to the critical need for carers in our society.

For example, if either partner develops a mental illness such as dementia, or a physically limiting illness such as Parkinson’s disease the other partner becomes a carer.

He or she is then more than a partner in the normal sense but is also responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of the afflicted partner which brings with it new challenges and responsibilities and, most likely, internal as well as interpersonal tensions due to the change in dynamics in the relationship.

Most of us have no practical experience in taking on the carer role. That is why we need Carers Queensland.

Carers Queensland has developed programmes to support carers, particularly with the emotional stress that the change of lifestyle brings. It’s about supporting the carer in what is generally a very stressful time.

One of these programmes which is open to both the carer and partner is “Living a healthy lifestyle.”

This is offered over a six week period with sessions of two and a half hours. It is targeted at folk with a chronic illness and their carer.  It can be offered in Port Douglas or Mossman in November this year if six people register their interest in the course.

One of the aims of the ‘Living a Healthy Lifestyle’ programme is to introduce recipes for meals that are nutritious, tasty, and easy to prepare.

It is so important to eat well and healthily. Here is a typically delicious healthy recipe from “First” the Carer’s magazine.

Nicoise Salad

12 small chat potatoes, halved
400 grams of trimmed green beans
250g of baby tomatoes, halved
4 hard boiled eggs, quartered
2 baby cos lettuce hearts separated
1 cup black olives
Anchovy fillets optional

Dressing - A third cup olive oil, a third cup red wine vinegar, 1tb mustard, salt and pepper.

To start bring eggs to boil and set aside to cool, cook potatoes for 10 mins or until tender.
Blanch beans (still green)
Whisk together your dressing then drizzle on top of ingredients.
Arrange artfully with your olives and anchovies on a platter for serving.

To register to attend this programme call the Neighbour Centre on (07) 4099 5518 or email manager@pdnc.org.au.