Who is a carer?
At some point in our lives, all of us will either require care or become a carer.
Carers are unpaid family members, friends or neighbours who provide assistance with the tasks of daily living.
The reasons why a person needs care are varied. The definition for carer (under the Australian Government Carer Recognition Act 2010) is someone who gives care and support to a relative or friend who:
- has a disability
- has a medical condition (terminal or chronic illness)
- has a mental illness, and/or
- is frail because they are old (known as ‘frail and aged’).
There are (more than) 50,000 carers in the ACT.
55% are female
Most are aged between 35 and 64 years
34% are primary carers (more than 20 hours care per week)
20,400 people are carers for their partner
19,800 care for a parent
14,000 care for a child
10,600 care for another relative
7,500 care for a friend or neighbour
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers 2018
Why is it important for carers to access support?
Carers in the ACT are twice as likely to report low levels of personal wellbeing as the national population.
Carers in the ACT have a higher than average likelihood of reporting a fair or poor general health rating.
40% of carers in the ACT are likely to have a moderate or severe mental disorder.
Almost 2 in 5 carers in the ACT experience loneliness.
Source: Caring for Others and Yourself. The 2021 Carer Wellbeing Survey
Carers ACT is here for carers when you need us.
Are you providing care? Together, we can share the care.