This November edition of the Clearinghouse Connector profiles information resources that explore the social, economic and policy context of women as caregivers, and the effects on health.

Women make up 71% of Australia’s primary caregivers, with the highest proportion of women carers being in the 45-54 age group (ABS, 2003).

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Information resources

Older women as carers and ‘sandwich generation women’ i.e. women who have dependent children and caring responsibilities for other family members are the focus of this study done by the Australian Women’s Coalition. The research investigated the met and unmet needs of these women and makes a number of recommendations.

Women’s Health Victoria has produced a Gender Impact Assessment on Informal Caregiving. It explores the social context of caregiving, workforce and financial aspects, health effects and the policy context.

Although an international publication, this position paper on caregiving from the Women’s Health Council ( Ireland) gives a thorough gender analysis of caregiving, its implications, and its links to social connectedness.

This short article contains some interesting and useful facts on the mental health effects of caregiving and explanations as to why this is happening. ‘Women’s Unpaid Caregiving and Stress’ emerged from a large study currently being conducted in Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Taskforce on Care Costs has just released its final report titled ‘Where to Now?’, which makes recommendations to the Government on finding the best solution to the work / cost of care challenge that faces Australia.

The report provides a background to the work done by the Taskforce, highlights the current financial support available to carers, and provides the result of a survey of 1000 Australian carers.

The Department of Human Services have recently released four publications that are aimed at recognising and supporting caring relationships.

The Disability Services Carer Action Plan

Recognising and Supporting Care Relationships for Older Victorians

Caring Together – An Action Plan for Carer Involvement in Victorian Public Mental Health Services

Recognising and Supporting Care Relationship – a Department of Human Services Policy Framework

The Canadian Centres of Excellence for Women’s Health published their Research Bulletin titled ‘Who Cares?’ The issue contains a number of articles that touch on issues such as palliative caregiving, mothers caring for children with cancer, and caring for seniors, among others.

Latest additions to the Clearinghouse

VicHealth have released Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women. The report provides the key findings of the Violence Against Women Community Attitudes Project, and is both informative and easy to read.

Family Violence among Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Peoples has just been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The comprehensive report uses surveys and data to highlight information gaps and suggest strategies for improvements.

Islam and Muslims in Australia is a publication of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria. Although designed for media outlets, this guide provides insight into the diversity of views among Muslims on a number of topics, including women.

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission have produces a series of fact sheets titled Get the Facts: Know Your Rights providing general guidance on the rights of indigenous women, pregnancy and employment.

How our Clearinghouse can help you

Women's Health Victoria's Clearinghouse has a wealth of information on gender in health in various forms.

Our experienced health and information professionals can assist you to access this information.

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