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01-02-2019 | Original Paper

Hours of Care and Caring Tasks Performed by Australian Carers of Adults with Mental Illness: Results from an Online Survey

Authors: Emily Hielscher, Sandra Diminic, Jan Kealton, Meredith Harris, Yong Yi Lee, Harvey Whiteford

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed profile of the hours of care Australian mental health carers provide for different types of caring tasks. The UQ Carer Survey 2016 was administered online to 105 adults caring for someone aged 16 years or older whose main condition is mental illness. Mental health carers reported providing on average 37.2 h of care per week to their main care recipient. Carers spent most of their active caring time providing emotional support, and the least of their time assisting with activities of daily living. Carers highlighted that this care time fluctuates with the undulating nature of mental illness, and many noted additional hours devoted to being ‘on call’ in case of emergency. Carers provide large amounts of support on a long-term and often unpredictable basis. Government services need to match the undulating nature of the illness by providing more flexible support options for mental health carers.

Missing data for hours of care dedicated to main care recipient. All carers: missing data for 5 participants, 5 outliers excluded who reported 168 h of care weekly. Primary carers: missing data for 6 participants, 10 not applicable (either secondary carer or not sure), 5 outliers excluded who reported 168 h of care weekly. Secondary carers: missing data for 2 participants, 88 not applicable (either primary carer or not sure).

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Title: Hours of Care and Caring Tasks Performed by Australian Carers of Adults with Mental Illness: Results from an Online Survey
Authors: Emily Hielscher
Sandra Diminic
Jan Kealton
Meredith Harris
Yong Yi Lee
Harvey Whiteford
Publication date: 01-02-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-018-0244-x

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Hours of Care and Caring Tasks Performed by Australian Carers of Adults with Mental Illness: Results from an Online Survey

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