Importance of having access to support for unpaid carers is clear

Carers Australia

Recent outcomes from a survey conducted by Carers Australia and the University of Canberra has identified that unpaid carers are lonelier, in poorer physical and mental health, and are less likely to be employed compared to the average Australian.

The first National Carer Wellbeing Survey, released as part of National Carers Week 2021, has found that Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers are two and a half times more likely to have low wellbeing, and much higher psychological distress, compared to the average Australian.

Carers Australia CEO, Liz Callaghan, said, “It is distressing to see the impact caring can have on a person. The caring role can be a rewarding one, but is often so demanding.”

Previous research tells us that carers provided 2.2 billion hours of care in 2020, with a replacement value of $77.9 billion annually.

“However, we also know that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in the quantity and intensity of unpaid care being provided, which would only amplify the ill-effects identified in this new research,” said Ms Callaghan.

The survey results also found that only 19 per cent of carers could easily organise family or friend support, and almost 45 per cent of carers believe their caring responsibilities regularly impact their relationship with their families and friends.

“While the majority of carers identify caring as a positive experience, this research shows that caring can impact all aspects of a person’s life; from the way they engage with the community to how they access support services,” said Ms Callaghan.

Key findings from the survey about carer wellbeing and outcomes include:

  • 35.1% of carers surveyed reported often or always feeling lonely, compared to 11.1% of Australians.
  • Up to 57% of carers surveyed regularly experienced negative impacts on their social life, fear of not having enough money, overload of responsibilities, and concern about whether they could continue providing care.
  • 50% of carers surveyed reported they regularly felt they had lost control of their life and their health was negatively impacted by their caring duties.
  • 52.8% of carers surveyed reported that their household financial wellbeing was either very poor, poor or just get along financially, compared to just 33.8% of Australians.
  • 52.6% of those surveyed who had been a carer for five years or more were unemployed.
  • 52.1% of carers surveyed fear they may not be able to continue caring for the people they care for.
  • 66.5% of carers surveyed reported regularly experiencing fear for the future of the people they cared for.

“The role of carers is interwoven in the health, disability, mental health and aged care sectors. It is crucial that carers are able to access support and services at a local, state and federal level,” said Ms Callaghan.

Encouragingly, the Federal Government has undertaken extensive work to address the systemic issues carers face when accessing supports and services.

The Carer Gateway provides information and advice on the in-person and online supports available to carers across Australia, and has a great range of services, including respite.

/Public Release.