The impact of caregiving on the health status of regional carers in Australia: Findings from a mixed‐method study

Abstract

While it is known that informal carers provide the majority of caregiving in Australia, there remains limited understanding of the challenges that regional carers face in their caring role and the impact of the caregiving role on carer well‐being. Objective The aim of this study was to better understand the health status of caregivers as the person they care for was entering the National Disability Support Scheme. Design This is a mixed‐methods study. Setting The study was undertaken in regional New South Wales, Australia. Participants Seventy‐five carers were enrolled into the study. All lived in regional New South Wales. Main outcome measure The World Health Organization Well‐being Index was used for quantitative data collection, and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken for the collection of qualitative data. Result Quantitative data indicated that carers from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and those from low socio‐economic status had significantly lower scores on the well‐being index. Two key qualitative categories were evident describing carer's journey to resilience by (a) adjusting to reality predominantly through cognitive reframing strategies and (b) carers accessing external supports. Conclusion The health status of regional carers who are predominantly women is experiencing low levels of well‐being. While many of these carers have initiated successful coping responses to the challenges of caring, there is an urgent need to increase the supports available to this population. As the recent National Disability Support Scheme is embedded, it is of importance to monitor if there are improvements in the health status of carers over time.

Characteristics and Health Service Use of a Longitudinal Cohort of Carers Aged over 45 in Central and Eastern Sydney, Australia

“…As such the fndings may have relevance to many regions and settings in Australia and internationally. However, we should be cautious about generalising the fndings to populations in periurban, rural, and remote areas, given carers in these areas experience distinct needs and barriers to accessing and using health services [51].…”