Time to admit defeat in the workplace?
Went in to Centrelink today to apply as dad’s carer. The
case officer suggested I should register for disability myself and my husband
apply as carer for both myself and dad who has bone Mets from pr...
Forum Discussion
Despite everything believe me you still write beautifully.
In addition to the other good advice I suggest you also write or call your Federal MP and complain that in your circumstances including the horrid chemo brain, you need help filling in your forms and what can they suggest and arrange to help you. Depending on your electorate, this might produce good results.
Also try writing to the various federal Minsiters responsible for social services, link to their details here http://www.australia.gov.au/directories/australia/portfolio/social-services. I used to be a public servant, sometimes letters of complaint produce results, sometimes they don't. The Government has had criticism of how it's managed Centrelink recently and so may be sensitive about Centrelink issues, so this approach may be productive.
I am guessing you and your husband have contributed a great deal to Australia over your life times and I feel social services are there to provide you with support when you need it. Being in a poor financial situation is not going to make it easier for you to regain good health. Getting this sorted may help you in more than financial ways.
Fatigue, lympodema and chemo brain are very common and dreadful side effects of breast cancer treatment. This web site has many entries about the problems we have with tamoxifen. You are not week or lazy or silly. You are a brave woman, probably far too stoic and are no doubt used to helping others rather than for asking for help for yourself. You are not a failure, you are strong and a heroine, even though it may not feel like that.
No one aged 54 grew up with computers, so of course it's not easy to fill things in on line. Even those who are used to computers find these forms difficult. You need a bright teenager/young university student to help. Do you know one?
I hope Centrelink does help but in case they don't, these are my suggestions.
Best wishes and good luck Karen
In addition to the other good advice I suggest you also write or call your Federal MP and complain that in your circumstances including the horrid chemo brain, you need help filling in your forms and what can they suggest and arrange to help you. Depending on your electorate, this might produce good results.
Also try writing to the various federal Minsiters responsible for social services, link to their details here http://www.australia.gov.au/directories/australia/portfolio/social-services. I used to be a public servant, sometimes letters of complaint produce results, sometimes they don't. The Government has had criticism of how it's managed Centrelink recently and so may be sensitive about Centrelink issues, so this approach may be productive.
I am guessing you and your husband have contributed a great deal to Australia over your life times and I feel social services are there to provide you with support when you need it. Being in a poor financial situation is not going to make it easier for you to regain good health. Getting this sorted may help you in more than financial ways.
Fatigue, lympodema and chemo brain are very common and dreadful side effects of breast cancer treatment. This web site has many entries about the problems we have with tamoxifen. You are not week or lazy or silly. You are a brave woman, probably far too stoic and are no doubt used to helping others rather than for asking for help for yourself. You are not a failure, you are strong and a heroine, even though it may not feel like that.
No one aged 54 grew up with computers, so of course it's not easy to fill things in on line. Even those who are used to computers find these forms difficult. You need a bright teenager/young university student to help. Do you know one?
I hope Centrelink does help but in case they don't, these are my suggestions.
Best wishes and good luck Karen