A 2024 Carers Australia Wellbeing survey reveals there are a shocking number of unpaid carers in Australia: almost 2.65 million, or 1 in 8 adult Australians.
That means we’re all at risk of caregiver burnout. The report shared:
- 94% of caregivers said they often feel physically or mentally exhausted due to their caregiving responsibilities.
- 92% reported they often neglect their own needs, while only 18% said they have time to explore hobbies and interests.
- 41% of respondents said they spend 60 hours or more per week acting as a caregiver.
The report also states that one in three carers never take time out of from their caring responsibilities. Love alone won’t get them through. Or help them recover. At times, they put their own health at risk because they keep pushing through.
Every day counts when a carers health is at stake
You probably know someone like Shirley. Most of us do. She appears like an ordinary person, but did you know she is a full time carer for her husband that has terminal cancer?
With no nursing or medical training, Shirley is doing an extraordinarily tough job, in very difficult circumstances for more than five years.
She’d never complain, but her own health is at serious risk from what the medical community knows as ‘carer burnout’.
Your gift can make the world of difference for carers who need help themselves
Provide care and real respite for carers prior to burnout
A carer facing burnout may miss important signs of deterioration in their loved one. This can lead to increased distress and unplanned hospitalisations for clients.
Improve health and wellbeing for care givers
Many carers feel guilty about taking breaks. Even short respite makes a meaningful difference. Evidence supports investing in carer wellbeing, ensuring they are supported before they burnout.
Develop tools to identify carers vulnerable to burnout
Your donation can support researchers at Silverchain to develop evidence-based models of care to improve the health and wellbeing of carers and prevent unplanned hospital admissions for the people they care for.