Health and Wellbeing of Carers
A survey conducted by the Carers Australia found that caring for someone can be a positive experience but many Carers are being harmed physically, mentally, emotionally and socially by their caring responsibilities and they have few, if any ways to avoid that harm.

This survey asked questions about what practical and emotional support Carers received, how much time they spent providing care and how being a Carer had impacted on their life opportunities.

Only 10% of the 1449 people who took part in the survey rated their health as excellent. 46% rated their health as fair and up to 30% had delayed seeking help because of their caring role.

Respondents stated that they wanted the Carers Associations to research how the needs of Carers was being met in the formal health and community care sectors. They wanted to know about the health and wellbeing of Carers from Aboriginal and other culturally and linguistically diverse communities as well as Young Carers.

Respondents also wanted Carers from rural, regional and remote areas should be given a higher priority.

Respondents urged the Associations to seek additional resources to provide Carers with more options for personal relationship and telegroup counselling.

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Two thirds of all Carers (67%) reported that they had been affected emotionally or mentally by their caring role. Carers of children reported a higher incidence in this area.

Of those affected, 85% reported that caring had made their mental and emotional health either worse or much worse. The major changes noted were being sad or depressed or worried and anxious. Also noted were being easily upset, frustrated/bored, mentally exhausted and stressed.

Reasons given for these feelings were;

• stress of caring
• social isolation and loneliness
• changes in relationships
• sense of grief or loss
• talking it over with a professional who cares, can help

Click here for information on Counselling services available to Carers.

Female Carers reported being affected by changes in family or other relationships more commonly than male Carers.

Elements that Carers stated were particularly stressful were the issues of the physical routine, the responsibility of caring and the consuming and emotionally draining aspects of caring. Many Carers found that the behaviour of the care recipient was stressful as was grief and loss relating to the changes in the care recipient and/or their ability to communicate with the care recipient.

Other emotionally stressful aspects include;

• having no time to one's self or lack of privacy
• worrying about the medical aspects of care
• not having enough money
• being housebound/isolated
• having little or no family support/total lack of support

Many Carers provided strategies in relation to how they dealt with stress within their caring role.

These include;

• gardening or enjoying nature
• reading
• pursuing craft/hobbies
• walking
• taking a break

A recently released report from the National Mental Health Council provides advice and assistance to General Practitioners on recognising and dealing with this issue.

Carers can be further stressed by not knowing what will happen to the person they care for if something happens to them or they are placed in a position where they can no longer continue in their caring role. This stress creates a negative impact on a Carers emotional and mental wellbeing.

For information about services which may be able to assist Carers or to find out more about these reports contact the Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636 or direct inquiries to info@carers-sa.asn.au

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This Page Last Updated: 14 October 2004 By:  webmaster

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