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A national survey on the experiences, health and wellbeing of Australia's unpaid carers was released this week to mark National Carers Week.
© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions
A health check[1] of the country’s unpaid carer workforce of 2.65 million people reveals that since the last national survey in 2020, our carers are feeling more socially isolated and are experiencing higher levels of financial distress.
The June/July 2022 survey was completed by 6,875 Australians who care or support a family member or friend who lives with a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail due to age.
Around 47% of the survey respondents provided care to a loved one over 65. This blog focuses on their responses.
Survey comparisons: 2020 to 2022
Since the last survey of June/July 2020, Australia’s carers have felt the true brunt of COVID-19, natural disasters, and the rising cost of living.
The only upside has been the gradual (and now much stronger) uptake by carers seeking support of the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway[2], after its launch in April 2020[3].
The survey compares the responses of those carers who use aged care services, disability services (NDIS) and mental health services, and its interesting to note that carers using aged care services feel more supported than those using the NDIS and mental health services.
Aged care carers call for support – help me keep paid work
However, when it comes to supporting unpaid carers looking after elderly loved ones, there’s still a way to go in helping those carers.
The graph[4] below shows around 70% of the respondents[5]s did not express strong beliefs that they felt supported to participate in the workforce.
A corollary to this point is that carers did not feel strongly[1] that their needs were being met (62%) or that they were being asked about their needs as a carer (52%).
Importance of paid work for social connectedness and financial security
Paid work is important for carers. It gives financial security and social connection. It solves the two leading issues raised in this latest survey – social isolation and financial distress.
My firm advice to anyone who takes on the role of carer is: Do not give up your day job!
For your mental and financial health find ways to continue to participate in the workforce or enter it.
Speak to your employer about your situation and negotiate more flexible work arrangements. Also speak to family, friends, and neighbours about lending a hand on a scheduled basis. If that cannot work, ask family to pitch in to pay for more in-home care.
If you need support:
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Download the Carer Gateway Information Pack using the form below;
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Take a look at the information and resources on the Carer Gateway[2];
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Consider the online interactive workshops[6] available through your State or Territory’s Carers Association;
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Read our past blogs[7] on taking on the role of carer; and
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Call DR Care Solutions for an initial free discussion on how to seek the right care, support and assistance for your loved one in the home, retirement community or in residential aged care.
Not sure what the Carer Gateway can do for you? Download the:
Carer Gateway Information Pack
by Your Side Australia[7], delivering Carer Gateway supports and services in Sydney in partnership with the Benevolent Society.
Carer Gateway Information PackWhere Carers Can Find Support.Learn what supports are available to you, and how you can access them, in this handy booklet. It's free and easy to download; we invite you to get your copy. Submit the form below and we'll send it directly to your email address. |
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Need help caring for a loved one? Please feel free to call me, Danielle Robertson, at any time for an initial discussion on how to set up the right care, support and assistance at the right time and in the right place.
Resources
[1] Carers NSW: 2022 National Carers Survey Full Report (released on 16 October 2023)
[2] Australian Government: Carer Gateway
[3] 2022 National Carers Survey Full Report, page 13
[4] 2022 National Carers Survey Full Report, page 48
[5] Strongly disagreed, disagreed, or were neutral
[6] Carers NSW: Carers Day Out
[7]
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DR Care Solutions: Four Practical Steps For New Carers
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DR Care Solutions: Advice To Carers - Managing Relationships & Special Needs Challenges
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DR Care Solutions: Advice To Carers - Planning & Managing Emergencies
