Evidence of health risks to carers

Carers are more than 40 per cent more likely to suffer from at least one chronic health condition when compared to the rest of the community, according to new research released today.

The report, titled The Health and Wellbeing of Adult Family Carers in South Australia, found that 70 per cent of carers reported conditions such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

Carers Australia CEO Joan Hughes said she was concerned about the findings.

"We now have solid evidence going back more than a decade that clearly illustrates the urgent need to address carer health and wellbeing," she said. "Yet there is still no national plan in effect to address the problem."

Carers Australia made recommendations in its 2008-2009 budget submission in relation to carer health and wellbeing, including an annual health check for carers.

The Health and Wellbeing of Adult Family Carers in South Australia report is available from http://www.health.sa.gov.au/PROS

The Wellbeing of Australians: Carer Health and Wellbeing is available from http://carersaustralia.com.au

For more information contact Anthony Watkins on (02) 6122 9911 or Alison Kemmis on (02) 6122 9917 or email caa@carersaustralia.com.au