Self-Care for Caregivers in Australia

Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians are family caregivers? 

Being a caregiver can affect both your professional and personal life, often taking a toll on your mental health. Prioritising self-care is essential, yet many caregivers struggle to do so. Let’s change that.

Our self-care guide is packed with top tips to help you put yourself first as a caregiver. We also have a wealth of resources on grief and caregiving available on our blog, so don’t hesitate to explore them and reach out if you need any additional advice.

What is a Caregiver

Under the Australian Government Carer Recognition Act 2010, a carer is defined as someone who provides care and support to a relative or friend who:

• Has a disability
• Has a medical condition (whether terminal or chronic)
• Has a mental illness
• Is frail due to advanced age (referred to as ‘frail and aged’)

Being a family caregiver comes with two main challenges:

1. Dealing with challenging living conditions that generate stress.
2. Neglecting your own health while focusing more on caring for your loved one than on caring for yourself.

Studies have shown that most caregivers often minimise their own wellbeing and self care. They may compare their pain to that of the person they’re helping and view it as insignificant. They may also face challenges from other family members, who might say the carer does too much, too little, or does not do things correctly.

Some caregivers choose this role and find it rewarding, while others are forced into it. As a result, the caregiver-recipient relationship is often marked by a mix of guilt and aggression.

Finding Balance as a Caregiver

Being a caregiver is demanding. It’s easy to focus only on the person you’re caring for, but remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Schedule time for activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, hobbies, or socialising. Remember, a happy caregiver can provide better care.

I’m working and barely have time for myself.

Balancing work, caregiving, and personal life can be daunting. Juggling daily tasks and caregiving responsibilities often leaves little time for yourself. In fact, according to the Australian Carers Guide, 41% of caregivers dedicate 20+ hours weekly to caregiving, with only 18% having time for hobbies.

Hiring help for household chores not only could provide you with much-needed break but also allow you to focus on your caregiving responsibilities.

Prioritise self-care to be the best caregiver you can be.

Seeing Your Doctor Regularly

Are you burned out? Signs of burnout include stress, fatigue, and difficulties to sleep, and at times feeling panicky. These are common challenges for caregivers due to the demanding nature of the responsibility. While it might feel like you have no time for yourself, it’s crucial to prioritise these doctor appointments. Don’t hesitate to consult if you’re feeling unusually overwhelmed. Early intervention can prevent burnout and help you continue providing the best care possible.

Not Isolating Yourself

We understand that when you’re short on time, it can seem easier to handle everything on your own and avoid discussing your responsibilities or challenges with others. Many caregivers find fulfilment solely through their role, but professionals suggest that sharing experiences can offer valuable support and perspective.

Don’t hesitate to connect with others who are in similar situations, often through support groups.  While you might not need advice from family members as they  may not fully understand your experience, reaching out to other caregivers can improve your well-being. 

The need to be reassured and supported is very normal. For many caregivers, having this reassurance that they’re doing the best they can helps them light the load on their shoulders. All you need is to reach out to people you trust. If not your family, your friends. Of course, we’re not saying to overwhelm your support network by only talking about your problems but opening up.

Reaching to Support Groups 

It’s natural to feel that others can’t understand your situation if they are not experiencing it themselves, especially during a traumatic time. Support groups are a great alternative for caregivers. 

Not only do they provide an opportunity to share experiences, but they also help us realise that our struggles are not unique, which can be reassuring. They offer a chance to compare solutions for various aspects of the problem.

“Sometimes you feel you’re the only person in the world with this problem, and then you go to a support group and realise there are others like you.” Carer, Surrey

Some of the best Support Groups for Caregivers in Australia include:

• Arafmi

• Carer Gateway

• The CarerHelp Project

• Gather My Crew 

Alongside Carers Australia and Young Carers Network affiliates, here are some other organisations dedicated to supporting young people:

• Kids Helpline

• Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)

• ReachOut

• headspace