Poor conditions for unpaid carers

Issue 

Poor conditions for unpaid carers

MELBOURNE — A five-year study has exposed the poor conditions of unpaid carers in the home in Victoria. The study by health professionals reveals that most carers are women, and a large number are on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Helen Herrman, professor of psychiatry at the University of Melbourne, said that while "very few feel angry and resentful, as a group they report poorer health, more anxiety and depression, overwork and more social isolation than those with the usual family responsibilities."

The results of the VicHealth-funded study have been published in a book, Family Care-givers — Disability, Illness and Ageing.

The study also found that carers looking after elderly parents were most likely to be working, with over half seeing work as a welcome relief. Almost half of the carers of workforce age who were not in paid work had given up jobs or were unable to work because of their carer responsibilities.

One in 20 households includes a carer. Herrman said: "One in four carers find it hard to meet the cost of daily living, yet relatively few receive federal government benefits. Given the valuable role carers fulfill, and the toll care-giving takes on their lives, our findings suggest the community should consider better practical and financial support."

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