Carers NSW has launched the initial findings of the 2022 National Carer Survey today in recognition of National Carers Week.
With more than 2.65 million unpaid family and friend carers living in Australia, and over 854,300 living in NSW – National Carers Week, from 16–22 October 2022 is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contribution carers make to Australian society.
In Australia it is estimated a total of nearly 2.2 billion hours of care are provided every year by family members and friends. The replacement value of unpaid care in Australia is estimated at over $1.5 billion per week, while carers lose on average $392,500 in lifetime income due to care commitments.
Carers NSW, CEO, Elena Katrakis said “the 2022 National Carer Survey provides important insights into the lives of carers and shows their continued care and support of their loved ones no matter what they are confronted with.”
The Survey received a total of 6,826 valid responses from carers across Australia, including 1,352 from NSW. This included a strong response from diverse and hidden groups of carers – including young carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers and sexuality and gender diverse carers, which will enable a better understanding of the experiences and support needs of these groups.
Key findings from the 2022 National Carer Survey include:
- Nationally, the average age of respondents was 59.8 years, and 3 in 4 respondents were female.
- Respondents were most likely to be caring for their child (including adult children), or their partner.
- The most common group of people being cared for by respondents was people living with disability, followed by those with a chronic health condition or living with a mental illness.
- Nearly half of respondents provided care to someone aged 65 years or over.
- Nationally, respondents spent an average of 104 hours providing care per week, with 49% providing care 24/7. The average length of time respondents had been caring for was 12.9 years.
- Around half of the carers who responded were experiencing high or very high psychological distress, and felt highly socially isolated.
- Large numbers of carers reported not being asked about their own needs when accessing aged care, NDIS, and mental health services with or on behalf of the person they cared for.
- 1 in 2 respondents experienced financial stress and 1 in 7 experienced financial distress.
- The average wellbeing of carers remains significantly lower than for the general population in Australia.
Further highlights from the NSW and national results can be
