3.9 per cent of the community requires assistance with core activities. This represents 13 people.

The number of people requiring assistance has decreased by 11 people in the five-year duration between the 2016 and 2021 Census, a decrease of 45.8 per cent.

In addition, the number of people that have 'not stated' a need for assistance has increased by 86.4 per cent in 2021, which represents 19 people.

The 2021 Census data does not provide a detailed breakdown of age brackets for those community members that need assistance, this is likely due to the low numbers and the potential for identification within such a small sample size and community.

In 2021 there were 33 people providing unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, health condition or due to old age which is an increase of five people from 2016.

There are a number of changes in the age brackets of those providing unpaid assistance, the general trend sees less young people providing assistance and more older people providing assistance. With a reduction of nine people for those aged 35-44, representing a 78.7 per cent reduction, for those aged 44-54 there was a reduction of 33 per cent representing two people. One less person provided support for people aged 55-64.

In 2016, 14.3 per cent of people that provided assistance were aged 65-74, increasing to 21.2 per cent in 2021 which is an increase of three people or 75 per cent. One more person aged 75-84 provided assistance in 2021 compared to 2016.

The percentage of the population in Mount Larcom that are providing unpaid assistance is higher than both the region and State across all age brackets except for the those aged 15-34 and 85 years and older.

Considerations:

• There is a need to continue to support community members who have a disability or require assistance as carers.
• Given the increases in seniors and elderly people providing unpaid support, consideration needs to be given around aging in place supports.