Self-care for caregivers. Essential practices to prevent burnout

While rewarding, informal caring comes with its various challenges, whether it be financial, juggling other commitments such as work or family, or the mental fatigue that can come with helping a loved one that needs consistent support. In a 2019 study by Family Carers Ireland, it was reported that 68% of carers felt that their health had suffered as a result of caring. This is why it's so important we highlight the help that is available for informal carers. 

Here are some ways you can help prevent burnout as a caregiver and the resources available in Ireland:

Prioritise self –care

As a caregiver it’s easy to prioritise other’s needs over your own, but taking care of your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing is vital to be able to give you the energy and resilience for caregiving.

Ensure you get regular exercise, get adequate sleep and engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being, such as meditation, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy.

Family Carers Ireland regularly hosts events across Ireland, events include coffee mornings, walking groups and stress management workshops. Full events calendar is available here.

Seek support

Join support groups for carers like Care Alliance Ireland, either in person or online. Sharing experiences with others in similar situations can provide emotional support and practical advice.

Looking after your mental well-being as a carer is so important, consider talking to a therapist who can help you manage stress and develop coping strategies. 1 in 3 careers said that they felt psychological counselling would improve their health.

Family Carers Ireland provides up to eight sessions of counselling free, which is available to all family carers in Ireland. Find out more here.

Incorporate technology into care plans

Look into alternative care options like HaloCare, who can help make independent living possible for your loved ones. HaloCare’s technology such as the Circle of Care App, helps keep caregivers connected, providing peace of mind that your loved one is safe whenever you physically can’t be there.

Stay organised

Keep a detailed schedule of caregiving tasks, appointments, and personal activities. Being organised can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Incorporate technology such as apps or planners, to help manage tasks and responsibilities efficiently.

Prepare for emergencies

Feeling underprepared can heighten the feeling of stress when it comes to caring for a loved one. Help manage stress by having an emergency plan in place i.e. if a loved one is to have a fall at home, know who the emergency contact is, where the closest hospital is, etc.

Share this plan with everyone, so in an emergency, everyone is on the same page on the best course of action to take to help support your loved one.

HSE has a Carers Emergency Card template which can be used in the event of a carer having an accident or emergency, to ensure the individual receiving care will be notified, and a backup plan can quickly be put in place.

Respite

Finally, ensure that you prioritise having time away from caring for a loved one if possible. Respite comes in various forms and can provide temporary relief by having another caregiver take over for a period. Respite might look like;

• Asking family and friends for support,
• Short stays in a care home or dedicated care facility,
• Home help or the introduction of Assistive Technology into the individual's home.

To find out more about respite services, contact your local primary care team/ public health nurse or local health office. HSE Local Health Offices are listed here.

Having a significant amount of downtime will help rest and recharge, making the caring experience more enjoyable for both you and your loved one.

Conclusion

Preventing burnout means being proactive and recognizing the signs early. By integrating self-care practices into your daily routine, setting realistic boundaries, seeking support from others, and staying connected to professional resources and health professionals, you can create a sustainable and healthy caregiving environment.

HaloCare aims to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare, providing a homecare solution that makes independent living possible for longer. HaloCare benefits not only the client but the Circle of Care also. Family carers can have peace of mind that with technology such as fall sensors, door management and daily check ins from our HaloCare Care Hub team in place, loved ones will be safe at home.  

Together, we can prevent burnout and promote a healthier, more balanced approach to caregiving.