The number of carers for those with a severe disability may
increase by about 80,000 over the next decade, according to a new
report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare (AIHW).
The number of primary carers could rise from an estimated
493,000 in 2003 to 574,000 by 2013. The largest growth is likely to
occur among carers aged 60 years or more-a 34% increase between
2003 and 2013-to the point where at least 1 in 3 primary carers
will be aged 60 or more.
The number of carers aged between 25 and 59 is likely to
increase by at least 20%.
The report, The future supply of informal care: 2003 to
2013, looks at factors that may affect the future supply of
informal care. These include Australia's ageing population, an
increase in female labour force participation, and changed living
arrangements.
Head of the AIHW's Ageing and Aged Care Unit, Dr Anne Jenkins,
said that a common belief was that there would be a future shortage
of carers because of increased numbers of women in the
workforce.
'Our study shows that the reality is much more complex than
that, with many factors coming into play with regard to whether or
not people take up a caring role.'
Some of these factors include the following:
- the increase in women's labour force participation is
predominantly in part-time work;
- 1 in 3 female carers are in paid work (34%);
- 29% of carers are over the age of 60;
- just over 1 in 3 of older carers are men (37%);
- over the next decade large numbers of baby boomers will move
into traditional primary carer age groups (45-64 years), thereby
increasing the potential 'pool' of informal carers.
'These findings highlight the need to develop carer support
programs that cater to a range of groups-men as well as women
across all age groups, and to those combining paid work and caring
as well as those not in the labour force,' Dr Jenkins said.
'The study informs the increasing national focus on the needs
and problems of carers and efforts on the part of governments to
provide support to carers.'
In 2003, approximately 493,000 voluntary primary carers provide
support for more than 1.2 million Australians who are severely or
profoundly restricted in their daily activities.
If current trends continue, the number of Australians needing
everyday support is expected to increase to more than 1.4 million
by 2013. Population shifts beyond 2013 are likely to change this
balance again.
The future supply of informal care: 2003 to 2013 was
jointly funded by the Australian Government Department of Health
and Ageing and the AIHW.
28 November 2003
Further information: Dr Anne Jenkins, AIHW,
tel. 6244 1108,
or tel. 0419 296 053
Media copies of the report: Publications Officer,
AIHW, tel. 02 6244 1032
Availability: Check the AIHW
Publications Catalogue for details.