4 ways to prevent carer burnout

When Carolyn Cranwell’s husband, Richard, was diagnosed with younger onset dementia in his early 50s, it was a shock for the whole family.

The couple had 2 young children and Richard ran a business. They were a busy family when Carolyn noticed that her husband started experiencing regular confusion and anxiety.

Richard’s diagnosis was a frightening prospect, and Carolyn immediately switched into survival mode. She became one of Australia’s approximately 2.65 million unpaid carers.¹

This begged the question: Who was caring for Carolyn?

“I felt responsible for Richard and the family, and for getting us all safely through,” Carolyn said during the Bupa-sponsored International Carers Conference. “I was very focused on what I wanted to achieve, which was the best outcome for my family, but I wasn’t really thinking about myself.” 

For 12 years, Carolyn cared for Richard at home as his condition got worse. She also worked full time and cared for their children.

Then, one day, her doctor presented her with alarming information. “She said: ‘You have to stop,’” Carolyn recalls. “‘You’re at greater risk now than your husband. I can’t do anything to save him from his outcome, but I actually can save you.’”

Carolyn’s doctor knew that she had been under too much stress for too long, and it was beginning to impact her mental and physical health.

“You can slip into this pattern where a lot of the help and support goes to the person who is going through the experience, and the carer becomes invisible,” says Carolyn.

Being a carer can be incredibly strenuous and stressful work, especially when there are other things, like children and employment, involved. So, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensures that your own physical and mental health is cared for.

Here, we explore 4 tips to help you prevent carer burnout.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Whether it’s a few days or just a few hours, it’s important to allow someone else to take over your caring responsibilities while you take time out. Asking for help isn’t always easy, but it’s vital if you want to look after yourself and offer your best version to your loved ones.

When we help others, we often forget about ourselves. And that can lead to health problems. Ensure that you’re nourishing your body with the right kind of food, such as wholegrains and fresh vegetables, and getting enough sleep. It’s also important to keep up to date with health checks and make regular exercise a priority.

Social isolation is a risk for time-stretched carers, even when there’s a house full of people. It’s important to stay in touch with friends and loved ones in order to maintain your identity and reduce your risk of burnout. A chat on the phone or a walk in the park can be restorative ways to connect with someone outside your household, or a night out may be just what the doctor ordered.

No one understands what you’re experiencing better than someone else who’s experiencing it themself. Consider joining a group where you can share what you’re going through with others in a safe, supportive space.

And don’t forget, taking care of yourself will help you stay balanced and happy, leaving you better equipped to care for your loved ones at the same time.

The Australian Government’s Carer Gateway has information and resources about caring in Australia, including peer support groups.

Beyond Blue offers 24/7 mental health information and support online and on the phone at 1300 224 636.