Managing Carer Stress and Burnout: A Guide for Family Carers
Caring for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Carer burnout is common, affecting an estimated 40% of unpaid carers in the UK. This guide helps you recognise the signs of burnout, offers practical strategies for managing stress, and signposts to support services that can help you maintain your own wellbeing while caring for someone else.
Important
Recognising the Signs of Carer Burnout
Carer burnout happens when the demands of caring become overwhelming. Common signs include feeling constantly exhausted even after rest, withdrawing from friends and activities you once enjoyed, feeling irritable or resentful towards the person you care for, neglecting your own health needs, and experiencing anxiety or depression.
Practical Strategies for Managing Stress
- Take regular breaks, even if just 15 minutes
- Maintain social connections - talk to friends or join a carers group
- Set realistic expectations - you cannot do everything perfectly
- Accept help when offered and ask for it when needed
- Keep up with your own medical appointments
Respite Care Options
Respite care gives you a break while ensuring your loved one is looked after. Options include day centres, sitting services where someone comes to your home, and short residential stays. Your local council can arrange respite through a carer's assessment, and some charities offer free or subsidised respite services.
Support Organisations for Carers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have carer burnout?
Signs include constant exhaustion, feeling irritable or resentful, withdrawing from social activities, neglecting your own health, and feeling overwhelmed. If caring feels impossible most days, you may be experiencing burnout.
Where can I get free support as a carer?
Contact Carers UK on 0808 808 7777 for free advice, ask your GP about local carer support, or request a carer's assessment from your local council to access respite and support services.
What is respite care and how do I get it?
Respite care provides temporary relief by having someone else care for your loved one. Options include day centres, home sitting services, and short care home stays. Request a carer's assessment from your local council to access funded respite.
Can I get time off work to care for someone?
You may be entitled to Carer's Leave (unpaid), flexible working arrangements, or time off for emergencies. Speak to your employer about your caring responsibilities and check gov.uk for current entitlements.
Need More Help?
Support Organisations
- Age UK:0800 678 1602
- Carers UK:0808 808 7777
- Alzheimer's Society:0333 150 3456
- Parkinson's UK:0808 800 0303