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Understanding the characteristics of unpaid carers living in financial hardship:

Risks and vulnerabilities

Published Date: 24.2.2025

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Theme: Caring and society

Sub-theme: Economic value of caring

Financial hardship Carer needs Carer support United Kingdom Quantitative data Longitudinal

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Caring and society

Sub-theme: Economic value of caring

View Publication Financial hardship Carer needs Carer support United Kingdom Quantitative data Longitudinal

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Understanding the characteristics of unpaid carers living in financial hardship:

Risks and vulnerabilities

Published Date: 24.2.2025

  • Author/ Authors

    Javiera Cartagena-Farias, Nicola Brimblecombe

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Cartagena-Farias, J., & Brimblecombe, N. (2025). Understanding the characteristics of unpaid carers living in financial hardship: Risks and vulnerabilities. International Journal of Care and Caring, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1332/23978821y2025d000000104

Long Summary

This study explores the real-life financial and emotional pressures faced by carers, highlighting how these challenges can increase their vulnerability to poverty, insecure employment, and social hardship. Many carers are compelled to retire early, reduce their working hours, or accept low-paid and unstable jobs to meet the demands of their caregiving responsibilities. Using an estimator logic random effects (RE) model, this study analyses the significant impact of these factors on carers' wellbeing and financial security.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • This study highlights that by recognising the diversity among carers is critical for designing effective long-term care welfare, and carer support systems.
  • A lack of opportunities and flexible support can significantly undermine carers’ wellbeing and increase their risk of poverty.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Beyond lost income, carers frequently incur out-of-pocket expenses related to care, contributing further to financial strain and social disadvantage.
  • This study highlights that certain groups of carers face a higher risk of falling into deep poverty and material deprivation. These risks vary over time and differ depending on the type and intensity of care provided.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.