Caring for a loved one can be so rewarding, but at the same time, can also be demanding and stressful. Many families share the responsibility of caring for a family member – an ideal situation amongst siblings or other relatives who live close by – however caring responsibilities Sometimes fall squarely on the shoulders of one person. With no one to help share the load, things can start unravelling quickly, as the responsibility becomes overwhelming and increasingly demanding on your time and family life, to the detriment of your physical and mental health. The thing is, that when you are physically and mentally healthy, you can provide better care. Taking care of others day in and day out with no respite, can lead to chronic stress and stress-related illness – or ultimately burnout – ‘caregiver burnout’. When you reach this point, it is important to know that help is available. Respite care is a great solution that allows caregivers to free up some time for themselves whilst their loved one is cared for by a trustworthy and experienced professional. There are both short-term care options, such as arranging care for a few hours, to longer term options such as a temporary stay at a care home whilst the caregiver is away on holiday.
At Home Care Assistance, we are here to help families in need of caring for elderly family members who require more support than they are physically and mentally able to give. We offer a number of care service packages and have highly experienced Care Professionals who are thoroughly trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, post-hospitalisation care, healthy cooking techniques, and more – personally committed to the individuals and families they serve.
Signs of caregiver burnout
Prioritising self-care and mental health when caring for a loved one is key to ensuring that you are strong enough to support them in the best possible way. Family Carers will almost always put the needs of the person they are caring for above their own, especially when it’s their mother, father or other close relation with little to no regard for their own emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. It is therefore important that as a Family Carer, you take care of your own mental and physical health and know that it’s okay for you to do so. Signs to look out for include:
- Feeling sad
- Excessive tiredness
- Gaining or losing weight
- Irritable or angry
- Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
- Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
How to prevent caregiver burnout
Self-care is an act of love and factoring in rest will result in better outcomes. Here are some strategies that carers can implement to reduce stress and promote their sense of well-being:
- Seek support
Carers should feel they can reach out for help and support. The Australian government initiative, Carers Gateway1 , provides in-person, phone, and online services nationally to help you be the care professional for your loved one ageing in place. - Take breaks and establish boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential to maintain a healthy balance between caregiving responsibilities and personal life. It’s crucial to schedule regular breaks and time for self-care. - Practice self-care
Carve out time for yourself regularly. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or taking a walk out in nature. - Go easy on yourself
Explore local community resources that can offer assistance, such as meal delivery services, transportation services or home care services. These resources can help alleviate some of the caregiving loads and allow you to focus on you. - Stay informed
Being well-informed about your loved one’s care can help you navigate challenges more effectively. By participating in workshops or researching information from credible sources, Family Carers can upskill and stay empowered to make confident decisions.
At Home Care Assistance, we are here to help in every way possible when you need a break,
from light housework to meal prep, companionship and assistance with shopping and
medication reminders. Going it alone simply isn’t a solution when you’re buckling under the
pressure. Get in touch with us today to discuss your options.
Support of an in-home care agency like Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefit
and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care
Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more
information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near you today.
