The nature and impact of caring for family members with a disability in Australia

• Ben Edwards, Norbert Zmijewski, Matthew Gray, Norbert Zmijewski, Marcia Kingston
• Australian Institute of Family Studies

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25 June 2008It is estimated that in 2003 there were 474,600 primary carers providing care to a person because of disability or old age. In coming decades, as the Australian population ages, the number of carers is projected to increase. Despite the large number of carers in Australia and the likely increase in their numbers, relatively little is known about the impact upon families of providing care.

The aims of this report are to:

• examine the effect of caring on family and social relationships;

• document the social, emotional, physical and financial impact on families of caring for a person with a disability;

• examine the effect of caring on labour force status.