• Ben Edwards
• Australian Institute of Family Studies

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18 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. This report begins to fill the gap.

The analysis is based upon data from a nationally representative survey, conducted in 2006, of 1,002 carers who receive an Australian Government payment directed towards carers (Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance). Carers were selected from a random sample of 5,000 carers from Centrelink records who, at June 2006, were receiving Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance.

This research was a collaborative project between the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).

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.