The initial results of the 2022 National Carer Survey were recently launched in National Carers week (16 - 22 October) and the findings help ring the bell on the outstanding contribution carers make across the country. 

There are over 2.65 million unpaid family and friend carers living in Australia, with over 854,300 living in NSW and 2751 in rural areas. 

All over Australia, in every family dynamic there is thought to be a Carer, whether it be grandparents for grandchildren, partners for partners, mothers and fathers for children with disabilities or children for parents.  

It is estimated a total of nearly 2.2 billion hours of care are provided every year by family members and friends in Australia, with the replacement value of unpaid care in Australia estimated at over $1.5 billion per week, carers lose on average $392,500 in lifetime income due to care commitments. 

Kate Monaghan Huckle is fulltime Carer for her parents in Nyngan and says every day is a struggle. 

“Being a Carer is the hardest job I have ever had and most days I end up in tears. I know they appreciate everything I do, and I love them, so it is worthwhile to me," she said. 

"Sometimes when you are tired and exhausted it feels like a thankless job, and I salute all those people out there who are day-in-day out, caring for those they love."  

Carers are kind-hearted and dedicated people and National Carers week is a small nod to the enormous role they play in the lives of those they care for.  

The survey found that 53.2 percent of Carers in rural and regional Australia feel a level of social isolation, and 33.1 percent are caring for those with a long-term illness or disability. 

The average age of a Carer in rural areas is sixty years old, with some working up to seventy hours per week.  

“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.” said Carers NSW, CEO, Elena Katrakis. 

With a total of 6,826 valid Survey responses received from carers across Australia, 1,352 of these from NSW. They 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. 

“Despite COVID-related service interruptions, widespread natural disasters, and an ever-changing service landscape, carers have persevered. However, half of respondents again do not feel that their caring role is recognised by governments, almost 1 in 2 carers still experience some form of financial stress, and, once more, 56% are socially isolated. These are extremely concerning results that need to be urgently addressed,” said Ms Katrakis. 

“Anyone at any time can become a Carer, providing support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail due to age. We encourage all carers to take some time out for themselves.” 

The demand for unpaid carers is at an all-time high and set to increase into the future, and carers will continue to need support.  

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program that offers free Carer support planning, in-person and phone-based counselling and peer support, targeted financial support through carer dedicated support packages, including supporting participation in employment, education, planned respite, and assistance with items such as transport or cleaning, information, and advice.  

With so many silent heroes in our local communities, Carer Gateway provides much-needed assistance and support for the amazing job they are doing every day around Australia.