Caring for the Carer

Did you know that there are approximately 3 million unpaid carers in Australia? These incredible people provide assistance to family members and friends who have a disability, illness, or are frail due to age.

According to Carers Australia, if these caring roles weren’t filled by family members, the equivalent paid services would cost an estimated $77.9 billion annually. That’s an extraordinary contribution that often goes unrecognised.

Many family carers assist with a wide range of daily needs, including:

Personal care

Housework and meal preparation

Shopping and errands

Transport to appointments

Medication support

While caring for someone you love feels natural and meaningful, juggling everything alongside your own life can sometimes become overwhelming.

Taking Care of Yourself First

If you’re feeling worn down, it may be time to reflect on how much you’re doing for your loved one whilst deprioritising your own care needs in the process.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential if you want to continue providing the best possible support. When you’re healthy and positive, this naturally leads to better outcomes for your loved one too.

Taking care of yourself means ensuring you’re:

Eating nutritious meals regularly

Getting adequate sleep

Staying physically active

Maintaining social connections

Doing something just for you

Caring for Your Emotional Wellbeing

Self-care isn’t just about physical health—your emotional wellbeing matters just as much. Caring for a loved one, especially someone whose health is declining, can be emotionally challenging.

Sometimes talking with a trusted friend or family member helps, but don’t hesitate to reach out to trained healthcare professionals when you need additional support through counselling services.

The Australian Government’s Carer Gateway website offers wonderful emotional support services specifically for carers, including:

In-person peer support groups where you can connect with other carers in your area

Online forums for asking questions and joining discussions

Helpful tips and information on various aspects of caring

Free online courses covering stress management, communication, and more

Self-guided coaching on essential caring topics

Guidance on accessing free services like cooking, cleaning, transport, or respite care

When It’s Time for Extra Support

Sometimes, despite all the resources and self-care in the world, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. If lack of time is one of your major challenges, it might be time to consider bringing in professional support.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to introduce some extra help to relieve stress and help you connect better with your loved one as a person rather than just their carer, now may be the perfect time to explore your options.

Remember, seeking help doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough—it means you’re wise enough to recognise that everyone deserves support, including you.