Often referred to as “Grandcarers,” these older Australians are providing safe, stable, and loving homes, usually without formal recognition or adequate support.
Many people assume all carers receive government assistance.
But for informal Grandcarers, those who take on full-time care without a court order or child protection involvement, that support is often out of reach.
They’re not officially recognised as carers, and that means they’re frequently left to manage on their own.
From enrolling children in school to covering everyday costs, Grandcarers face the full demands of parenting, often while juggling their own health, housing, or retirement realities. Many have had to dip into superannuation, delay downsizing, or come out of retirement altogether to care for their grandchildren.
That’s where Grandcarers SA steps in.