Combating Carer Burnout: You Don’t Do This Alone

Signs of caregiver fatigue and practical avenues to access immediate funded respite and emergency backup workers. Burnout builds slowly, and many carers do not notice it until they are already exhausted.

Signs of carer burnout

• feeling exhausted even after rest
• losing patience more easily than you used to
• withdrawing from friends, hobbies or things you used to enjoy
• feeling like you cannot take a day off, even when you are unwell
• noticing your own health slipping while you focus on someone else’s

You genuinely do not have to do this alone

Support exists precisely because caring for someone can be more than one person can sustainably carry. Our respite care gives you planned or occasional breaks, so caring becomes sustainable rather than something you are white-knuckling through.

Where to get support

• the free Carer Gateway offers counselling, coaching, peer support and access to emergency respite if you suddenly cannot provide care – call 1800 422 737
• our team can talk through funded respite options under the NDIS or Support at Home, see our funding options
• if you are in crisis, Lifeline offers free, 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14

Small changes that help

Regular, even short, breaks tend to help more than one long break used as a last resort. If you are also managing your own health alongside caring, our nursing support can help you keep on top of it. And if the emotional weight of it all feels heavy, our article on the emotional side of caring may be worth reading too.

Ready for some breathing room? Call 1300 782 227 or start your journey online and ask about respite care.