Written by: Robert Savellis
“adult children caring for their parents…may have their life span shortened by four to eight years”.
When a medical practitioner is faced with addressing an urgent or imminent health condition for a patient, their primary focus is typically in addressing the immediate consequences of that morbidity.
The scaffolding behind the development of this health condition is however often hidden behind a complex interplay of multiple, long-term and ill-defined factors that rarely have one distinct or fixed cause, that may however have been preventable with system-wide health policies.
Medical research and Government policy have been ideally placed in this country to look beyond this one-dimensional approach to managing health issues, by addressing what are often called the “upstream causes of health conditions”, with system-wide preventative health policies.
According to the Federal Department National Preventative Health Strategy, 2021-2030, it states that this “Strategy presents a powerful opportunity for Australia to build a sustainable prevention system for the future…..reducing health inequity and increasing preparedness for emerging health threats.” [1]
Although this is a lofty and admirable strategy, the reality is that the current system is not buffered by sufficient preventative system-policies, often highlighted by excessive hospital waiting times, decreasing access to Bulk Billing, increasing costs of private health insurance, and woefully inadequate Aged Care Home Care package funding.
This is not to say that Australia has been bereft of such policies in the past, with prior policy implementations, including Australia’s Universal Healthcare system, the Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme and the National Disability Insurance scheme, being real examples of preventative health strategies in practice.
Nevertheless, as in all Government policies, there is often an existing tension between the self-interest of the medical industry, the pragmatic economic interests of workplace realities, along with the motivations of political parties such as ideology, budgeting priorities, and the ever-present electoral expediency of the government of the day.
The outcomes of such tensions in priorities more often than not disadvantage the least vocal groups in our community, who are typically the most needy and vulnerable.
“the contribution of Australia’s informal carers to the economy and society is substantial. In 2020 alone, the value of unpaid care was estimated at $77.9 billion.”
And in Australia, two of the most vulnerable and least vocal groups are the elderly, especially those with age-related disabilities, and their almost universally ignored family Carers.
Although Australian society has long accepted the role of Nursing Homes in the late-stage life of their parents, many Australians, in particular new Australians with communal family values, find this concept anathema to their beliefs.
This has resulted in an explosion of family Carers in this country.
These people are “informal Carers”, or otherwise known as “Care givers”, who often sacrifice their freedom, finances, employment, mental well-being and health, to simply care for their parent, in a home environment and amongst loved ones.
In a recent survey on the Mental Health impacts of the Federal Government’s recent pernicious Aged Care Home Care restrictions, with almost 150 submissions, the statistics indicated that “Informal Carers” of elderly Home Care recipients tended to overwhelmingly be middle-aged, female, and sole Carers. [2]
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, in 2018 there were an estimated 2.65 million people (11% of Australians) who provided informal care in Australia (ABS 2019). More than one-third (35%, or an estimated 929,000 people) of all Carers were aged 35–54 (average age was 51) (ABS 2019). [3]
And a study by Ohio State University in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging (US) has shown “that adult children caring for their parents… may have their life span shortened by four to eight years”. [4]
Unsurprisingly, Carers of elderly parents, are often referred to colloquially as “tomorrow’s sick”.
And to add insult to injury, according to a statement from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in 2020, “the contribution of Australia’s informal carers to the economy and society is substantial. In 2020 alone, the value of unpaid care was estimated at $77.9 billion.” [5]
Given the enormous sacrifices of Informal Carers for their loved-ones, towards Australia’s family values and budget, and at such significant personal costs, one would have expected more.
The information presented highlights a grim reality faced by many who take on the demanding role of care-giving. The emotional, physical, and financial toll on informal Carers is substantial, raising serious questions about the adequacy of support structures in place to assist them. The life-shortening impact of care-giving, as noted in the study, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies that not only recognize but also mitigate the burdens faced by Carers.
In addressing these challenges, it is essential to consider the broader implications of informal care-giving on public health and economic stability. Informal Carers often sacrifice their employment opportunities, personal health, and financial stability to provide care. This not only affects their quality of life but also places additional strain on social services and health care systems due to increased dependency ratios.
A multifaceted approach is required to alleviate the pressures on informal Carers. Firstly, expanding access to affordable respite care services can provide Carers with necessary breaks, helping to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Secondly, implementing flexible work policies can help Carers maintain their employment, which is crucial for their financial security and mental health. Thirdly, increasing direct financial support can help alleviate the economic burden that care-giving often entails.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns are vital in increasing recognition and support for Carers. These campaigns can help change public perceptions and foster a community that supports its most vulnerable members. By promoting understanding and recognition of the critical role that informal Carers play, society can move towards more inclusive and supportive practices.
It is imperative for health policies to evolve and adapt to the realities of care-giving. The Australian government, healthcare professionals, and community leaders must collaborate to develop and implement strategies that adequately support informal Carers. Only through a concerted effort can we hope to address the hidden costs of care-giving and improve the health outcomes of both Carers and those they look after.
The need for robust, responsive, and inclusive health policies has never been more apparent. As Australia continues to advance its healthcare and social support systems, it is crucial that these systems take into account the real and pressing needs of informal Carers. By doing so, not only do we uphold the values of a compassionate society, but we also build a stronger, healthier future for all Australians.
[1] Australian Government. 2021. Department of Health. National Preventive Health Strategy.
[2] Aged Care In-Home Forum Australia. 2024. A Summary of Results of a Survey on the Mental Health of Home Care Package https://www.peaceofmindhomecare.com.au/a-summary-of-results-of-a-survey-on-the-mental-health-of-home-care-package/
[3] Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018. Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release
[4] Lewy Body dementia Association. 2014. Long-Term Caregiving May Shorten Life Up to Eight Years https://www.lbda.org/long-term-caregiving-may-shorten-life-up-to-eight-years/
[5] Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 2020. Support for informal carers. https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/draft-national-strategy-care-and-support-economy/goal-1-quality-care-and-support/support-for-informal-carers
Author: Robert Savellis – 27/04/2024