Aim To investigate the positive and negative aspects of family caregiving in two settings: community and aged care facility. Methods Postal questionnaires included the short Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and a scale developed for this study: Positive Aspects of Caring Scale (PACS). Results Analysis of responses of 90 carers showed high burden levels, with no difference between care settings. Carers of an older person with a cognitive condition showed higher burden. There was no association between carer burden and positive attitudes. Carers in community settings recorded lower levels of positive attitudes. Conclusion The two measures (ZBI and PACS) may be a useful clinical tool to provide a balanced assessment of carers' experiences. The high burden found in both carer groups indicates the need for greater awareness, and improved support for carers, across the care continuum, from home to aged care facility.