clinical focus
The ‘ invisible ’ work
Public views on caring through Covid-19 .
By Elise Hartevelt
An overwhelming majority of caregivers in Australia have reported experiencing increased stress levels , isolation and a lack of support during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Researchers from the Australian National University ( ANU ) analysed the perspectives of over 1000 people on caregiving and care work during the Covid-19 pandemic .
They found caregivers , especially women , faced higher stress levels and isolation and felt unsupported by their employers and the government during the pandemic .
Dr Laura Davy and Professor Ariadne Vromen from the Crawford School of Public Policy at ANU said many Australian ’ s assumed care and support roles for the first time during Covid-19 .
“ We must shine a brighter spotlight on the crucial role of care work and the struggles faced by caregivers ,” professor Vromen said .
“ The pandemic profoundly impacted the lives and wellbeing of paid care workers and people with unpaid caring roles in Australia .
“ The crises of care experienced during the pandemic thrust care into the public limelight like never before .”
During the height of the pandemic , paid care workers reported higher levels of stress , financial insecurity , and burnout . One study found that nearly one in three direct aged care nurses experienced symptoms of depression , and over 36 per cent faced poor mental and physical health .
Unpaid care work was reported to be significantly higher during lockdowns , causing people to encounter challenges in balancing personal and work life , with some leaving the workforce .
Low salaries , poor employment conditions and low staffing numbers in the care industry also contributed to feelings of undervaluation and anxiety .
Similarly , the survey found that stress and isolation levels were the highest among female and young caregivers and people with demanding care responsibilities .
These groups faced more significant challenges accessing support from their employers and informal networks .
Professor Vrome said the ‘ invisibility of care work ’ and the difficulties faced by caregivers became particularly evident during the pandemic .
She said that , traditionally , caregiving is seen as a feminine responsibility and is a deeply rooted cultural conception that contributed to Australia ’ s ‘ continued devaluation of care .’
“ The increased feelings of isolation and disconnect from the community emphasised the hidden nature of care work that takes place behind closed doors .
“ The lack of public discussion about care became apparent in the challenges people faced in accessing care services for their families during the pandemic .
“ This highlights the flaws and emotional challenges associated with the current care system .”
The report found that most Australians recognised the fulfilment and meaning of care work , but there was a clear consensus that pays and employment conditions needed to be better .
Most Australians , especially women and those with informal care roles , found paid care work fulfilling .
Nevertheless , few had favourable views on salary and working conditions in the sector .
Less than four in ten believed paid care work offered employment security , and
three in ten considered it to provide fair work conditions .
Only one in five said it delivered good earnings .
Still , a quarter of respondents expressed interest in potential future care work , particularly among younger age groups and men . “ It ’ s quite contradictory ,” Dr Davy said . “ There ’ s a disconnect between the value people place on care work and the support provided to those working there .
“ This contradiction highlights a significant issue that needs to be addressed .”
Dr Davy said the survey ’ s findings showed opportunities to address these issues through care-aware recovery strategies and investment in the care and support sector .
An overwhelming majority of respondents believed the government should primarily be responsible for funding aged care ( 90 %) and disability support ( 93 %).
Moreover , many carers reported they relied on a combination of formal services and support .
Nearly half of all carers in the study emphasised the importance of having a partner who shares care responsibilities and can work from home when needed .
This sentiment increased to three out of five among carers under 50 .
Dr Davy said enhancing pay and conditions for care workers was crucial to meet future workforce demand , recruiting and retaining talent , and advancing gender equity in the sector .
“ We need to have a national conversation about the social and economic value of care and the impact of political and industrial decisions on care workers ,” she said .
“ It ’ s crucial to prioritise the wellbeing of care workers and provide them with the support they deserve .”
They also recommended more flexible work options , improved access to paid leave , and government investment in quality and affordable services .
Professor Vrome said these steps should foster a national conversation on the value of care and how to best support caregivers in managing their responsibilities .
“ By addressing these issues , we can not only improve the working conditions for care workers but also improve the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations ,” she said . ■
18 agedcareinsite . com . au