In the heart of Burnie lives a remarkable family whose story represents resilience, love and teamwork. Kathryn and her 14-year-old daughter, Taya, share responsibility for caring for Kye, Kathryn’s son and Taya’s younger brother. Five-year-old Kye has level 3 Autism and a global delay and requires constant supervision.
Caring for Kye is a round-the-clock commitment, requiring the whole family to pitch in and help.
“Kye is non-verbal, so we have to look for the cues and gestures, anything. We are his voice, the whole family. The whole family operates like a team,” Kathryn explains.
Taya has become like a second mother to Kye. She helps with everything from dressing and feeding to supervising him during bath times and water activities. Despite the responsibility, Taya enjoys spending time with Kye – whether it’s jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes, or just getting day-to-day tasks done.
“It can be chaotic sometimes. But most of the time, it’s really fun, playing and looking after Kye.”
“Being helpful to Mum and helping around the house is what I really enjoy,” said Taya.
At 13, Taya sees her role as a normal part of life, not recognising the extraordinary nature of her efforts. But Kathryn knows that Taya’s help is invaluable.
“She doesn’t realise how much of a help she is. I couldn’t do it without her,” said Kathryn.
Kathryn and Taya’s journey into caring led them to Carer Gateway. It was a friend who referred Kathryn to Care2Serve, the Tasmanian provider of the Australian Government Carer Gateway program.
“The process was very easy. I jumped on their website and filled out the form.”
“They called me and from there, it was just very easy.”
“And that’s what you need as a Carer. It needs to be simple,” explains Kathryn.
Carer Gateway has been a great support to the family, offering both practical assistance and a sense of community. One of the standout experiences has been a Carers Retreat in Launceston, which both Kathryn and Taya attended. The retreat not only provided a much-needed break but also helped them connect with other Carers and find out about services that they could access locally in Burnie.
“At the retreat, I found out that Care2Serve were launching a Peer Support Group for Carers in Burnie.”
“So, I put my hand up and said I would like to join.”
“Through the Burnie Carers Connections Group, I have connected with other Carers. We meet once a month and regularly have guest speakers, mindfulness activities, and meditation sessions.”
“It is my safe space. We have coffee and cake and share experiences with each other.”
“I really would not make it through without these connections.”
“It is just nice to meet with people that really get us,” reflects Kathryn.
As a Young Carer, Taya has also benefitted from Carer Gateway’s support. Carer Gateway has provided her with school supplies, including a laptop, helping her balance schoolwork with her caring duties.
Since connecting with Carer Gateway, Kathryn has been very vocal about the support she has received. She tells everybody about it.
“It’s so simple, that’s what I try and tell them.”
“Jump on the internet, make that phone call. They will move mountains to help you, but you have to take that first step.”
“Hi, this is me. I would like help.”
“For me, life would be very difficult without the help of Taya and Carer Gateway,” said Kathryn.
Kathryn and Taya’s story highlights the strength, resilience, and unwavering love that define many carer families. By sharing their experiences, Kathryn and Taya hope to inspire other Carers to seek the help they need.
You can view their story on our YouTube channel here.
If you are in a similar situation and need help with your caring role, contact us by emailing intake@care2serve.com.au or by calling 1800 422 737 (and press 1 at the menu).