There are over 200,000 carers in South Australia, many of whom provide over 40 hours of care per week. Carers are people who provide ongoing assistance to those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. A majority of carers are women, and many carers also have disabilities themselves or rely on government support. The Carers Recognition Act was introduced to improve recognition of carers and ensure they have access to support services, as carers' contributions are often overlooked. The Act requires carers be consulted regarding services that impact them.

1. Carers

2. Who Are Carers? A carer, for the purposes of the Carers Recognition Act 2005, is a person who provides ongoing care or assistance to someone who has a disability. The disability may relate to a physical, intellectual or mental illness, a chronic disease, a terminal condition or may relate to a person who is frail and therefore needs assistance to carry out daily tasks.

3. Key Facts about Carers There are 222,700 people involved in the caring role, 77% in metropolitan Adelaide and 23% in rural SA 41,290 (18%) are primary Carers 29,441(71%) of primary Carers are female There are 30,000 young Carers of whom 14,800 are under 18 48% of primary Carers provide at least 40 hours per week support 44% of primary Carers themselves had a disability 63% of all Carers aged 15-64 are employed, 61% fulltime 38% of primary Carers are employed 57% of primary Carers are reliant on a government pension or allowance for their income An estimated 64 million hours of caring are provided by Carers each year http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/?/sa/section/12:statistics-about-caring/3 accessed 3/5/10

4. Carers Recognition Act Why was the Carers Recognition Act introduced?South Australian carers and the agencies that support carers lobbied for the Act because the contribution of carers is often overlooked and taken for granted. The aim of the Carers Recognition Act 2005 and the Charter is to improve the recognition of carers and provide the support needed to ensure they have the same rights, choices and opportunities as other South Australians. Carers must be consulted in the planning, delivery and review of government and government-funded services that impact on carers The Carers Recognition Act provides formal recognition of carers and services to help them in their caring role http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Community+Support/Carers/Carers%27+rights+and+legislation/Frequently+asked+questions accessed 3/5/10