Defence and Veteran Carers
Many people don’t realise they are Carers, especially within the Australia Defence Force (ADF) community, where the unique challenges of supporting current and former ADF members are often overlooked.
Carers SA We’re Here for you – Support for Defence and Veteran Carers
Approximately one in eight of the over half a million Australians who have served or are currently serving in the ADF has a partner, parent, sibling, or child providing care due to disability, chronic health conditions, or ageing.
This rate is significantly higher than the general Australian population, largely due to the elevated levels of long-term health issues among ADF personnel and veterans.
While the Department of Defence does offer some support services for Carers, external services may be more suitable to particular needs. Unfortunately, many Carers within the ADF often mistakenly believe they cannot access additional external support and, as a result, tend not to seek it.
Stories from ADF Carers
Below are some personal stories from Carers within the ADF community, offering a glimpse into the varied experiences of Carers within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) community.
Ian
A 28-year Army veteran suffering from PTSD, Ian is the primary Carer for his son Angus, who has level 3 Autism.
Kerry
Kerry cares for her husband Tim, a decorated Defence veteran, who has undergone 14 surgeries and retired early from the ADF.