Almost 1 in 8 South Australians is a carer
Carers change lives. To honour their work, which is often unpaid and informal, the South Australian Government introduced the South Australian Carers Recognition Act 2005. This Act acknowledges the valuable role of carers in the community and guides government agencies in their interactions with carers.
DHS works in collaboration with Carers SA, the state’s leading provider for carer services. Carers SA acts as both a representative organisation and a service provider, offering a range of services to families in metropolitan, rural and remote locations.
What does a carer do?
Carers provide unpaid ongoing support to family or friends with disability, chronic illness or age-related frailty.
Carers can be partners, parents, children, friends, neighbours or colleagues who provide assistance with personal care, lifting, mobility, administering medication, banking, shopping or housework. They come from all walks of life, all cultures and all age groups.
Caring is a role that can be both rewarding but also costly in terms of life opportunities, financial security and health.
Explore the pages below to understand more about Carers.
Carer Support Services
DHS has a long history of funding support services for carers in South Australia. DHS works in collaboration with Carer Support providers to help carers understand and connect to services available.
SA Carers Recognition Act 2005
The Act acknowledges the important role of unpaid carers in the community. It sets out rules for government agencies and contracted organisations that provide services to carers and the people in their care.
Carer Resources
A list of support services available within South Australia for carers and their families.
Young carer support
We support young carers by helping with school, connecting you with others, making sure your voice is heard, and linking you to local support.
Carers SA
DHS works in collaboration with Carers SA the lead provider in SA for carer services. Carers SA acts as both a representative organisation and a service provider, offering a range of services to caring families in metropolitan, rural and remote locations across South Australia.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.
If you care for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age, then Carer Gateway can help you.