AUSTRALIA’s three million carers are more than twice as likely to experience low wellbeing compared with the average Australian adult, new research released reveals.
And in Western Australia, whilst carers are more likely to report that they are fairing better when it comes to experiencing being able to engage in paid work, they are more likely to report poor access to services such as Veteran’s support.
Carers Australia’s 2024 Carer Wellbeing Survey, which surveyed 9,166 carers across the country, found that while the wellbeing of average Australian adults has improved since last year, the results for carers were in stark contrast. The 57.7% of carers reporting low wellbeing this year was almost identical to the 58.3% reporting low wellbeing in 2023.
Carers WA CEO, Richard Newman said the survey results highlighted the importance of National Carers Week, where every Australian can help and become involved by taking small, but powerful actions to make a difference in the lives of carers – to raise awareness, celebrate and recognise them.
“ONE in eight Australians are carers. Latest figures estimate there are up to three young carers in every Australian classroom. At some point in every Australian’s life, we will either know, be, or need a carer,” Richard Newman said.
“Our 2024 Carer Wellbeing Survey found our carers are being left behind in most of the key indicators of wellbeing, including loneliness, psychological distress and financial hardship.”
“Carers need the ongoing support of all Australians – from government, businesses and media to classrooms and families, medical professionals and our community.”
Other key findings of the 2024 Carer Wellbeing Survey include:
• Carers were three times as likely to report being lonely compared to the average
Australian. In 2024, 40.3% of carers reported feeling lonely often or always, compared to 13.8% of average adult Australians.
• Carers consistently experience poorer financial wellbeing compared to the average Australian: In 2024 carers were almost three times more likely to report being poor or very poor (16.3%) compared to average Australians (5.7%).
• Carers continued to have higher than average rates of psychological distress compared to the general population, with 28.2% reporting high levels of psychological distress.
• Carers aged 25-54 were the most likely to be experiencing low wellbeing compared to the average carer (69% compared to 55.7%). This group represents almost half of carers (48.8% of carers 2021 ABS).
“Many everyday Australians are thrust into a caring role in extraordinary circumstances – some through a gradual progression into care, others through sudden, life-altering events,” Richard Newman said.
“Behind the numbers are a mosaic of individual stories – each unique and deeply personal – showing the diversity of care and caring roles in Australia.”
For more information about the week and how to take a small and powerful action to show carers you care, visit www.carersweek.com.au
