New research released to coincide with National Carers’ Week (10 – 16 October) reveals one in three (30%)
Australians have cared for either a family member or friend, with two-thirds (61%) having only stepped up as a carer because no one else would.
Sadly, the research carried out by Developing Australian Communities reveals that taking on a caring role has a significant personal impact. One in two (47%) admit the ability to live their own life is impacted and a further third (32%) say it impacts their own health.
While carers across Australia provide support and care without expectation of a thank you or reward, a staggering 85% of Aussies agree that carers are not adequately compensated by the government. The lack of government support is particularly difficult for the one in five (21%) carers who have had no choice and had to step in because they could not afford professional support and the 11% who are unable to access NDIS funding.
National Carers’ Week is a time for Australians to recognise and celebrate the work that carers do across the country. But in light of these findings, Developing Australian Communities is calling for the government to revise the NDIS funding framework, so that carers across the country are themselves taken care of.
About Carers and National Carers Week
Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged – anyone at any time can become a carer.
National Carers Week is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.
National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and coordinated with the assistance and participation of the National Carer Network.
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