80 per cent of unpaid carers work more hours than the average full-time worker

A recent study by Carers Queensland has found 59 per cent provided more than 12 hours of care a day. Nearly half said they worked 120 hours or more a week.

To put that figure in perspective, the average full-time Australian worker puts in 40 hours a week.

The ‘Quality of Life’ study surveyed 494 respondents and revealed why many of our unpaid carers are at breaking point.

It’s a figure that will only increase too, with the number of unpaid carers – including sandwich carers, people caring for more than one person across two generations – predicted to rise dramatically in coming years.

An ageing population and rise in chronic diseases such as dementia means many more of us could find ourselves caring for a loved one or in need of care ourselves.

The backbone of our aged care and disability system

Almost 2.7 million Australians are unpaid carers according to the ABS, or around one in ten people. Overall, they contribute $60.3 billion to Australia’s health system according to Deloitte Access Economics – that’s over $1 billion a week.

The number of primary carers has also grown, up to 855,000, with the average age 55 and most women according to the most recent Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) in 2015.

And while caring for others has its rewards, there are downsides too as the research show. The ABS figures found only 56 per cent of primary carers aged 15 to 64 are working, compared to 80 per cent of non-carers.

The weekly median income of primary carers is also 42 per cent lower than non-carers.

They are also more likely to have a disability themselves than the rest of the population.

Help at hand

While there were some good findings from the figures – including a seven per cent decrease in the number of unpaid carers caring for over 40 hours a week – unpaid carers need more support and recognition from governments and the community so they can also live their own lives.

Last week was Carers Week, where people are encouraged to thank carers for the important role they play in our community. It’s a great idea, but we can and should be doing more – not just for one week of the year.

There is support available for carers. Call the Carers Gateway contact centre for assistance on free call 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm or to request a call back.