Compassion Fatigue in Family Carers
Recognising Compassion Fatigue in Family Carers
Caring for others is often driven by motivations of love and understanding. It’s not uncommon for family carers to initially feel that their capacity for helping those they love is nearly limitless.
From taking care of finances and managing medications to preparing meals and cleaning, assisting a loved one certainly brings fulfilment. But, many carers neglect their own needs, leading to mental and physical exhaustion.
As a result, family carers may experience a unique form of burnout: decreased empathy. This condition is known as compassion fatigue.
Knowing the Limits
In decades past, healthcare providers have been at risk for compassion fatigue, and they may even suffer from secondary traumatic stress.
This should hardly come as a surprise, considering the profession involves constantly helping patients who are suffering or experiencing diminished quality of life.
As Ireland’s ageing population continues to grow, there are many home carers who are left feeling much the same way.
Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
In addition to the lower threshold of empathy, family carers experiencing compassion fatigue may feel the following:
Exhaustion (physical and/or emotional)
Burnout
Feelings of dread or guilt
Irritability, anxiety and depression, or anger
Difficulty making decisions.
Feeling disconnected
Trouble finding meaning in caring.
Self-isolation
What is the Impact of Denial in Compassion Fatigue?
The Compassion Fatigue Awareness Program and Compassion Fatigue Ireland note that the worst symptom of compassion fatigue is denial.
It prohibits family carers from addressing the emotional strain they are experiencing. Over time, this can lead to feelings of resentment, broken communication, and strained relationships.
Importance of Self-Care
A collaborative study by the Stanford Center on Longevity and Comfort Keepers Global (PDF) reveals that those responsible for a loved one with a severe illness experience poor emotional well-being because of their inability to properly maintain their social lives.
The results of the study highlight the increasing need for family carers to acknowledge their compassion fatigue and seek self-care. Doing so can certainly help the family carer, but it will also help mend the relationship with their loved one.
What to Do Next
Below are a few steps that family carers can take to avoid compassion fatigue and get back to feeling positive about caring for their loved ones.
Understand the common signs of compassion fatigue and acknowledge them if they occur.
Practice a self-care routine that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep.
Create dedicated time to spend with friends and maintain social connections.
Find a carer support group, either in your community or online.
Document your thoughts and feelings related to caring in a journal.
Choose healthy activities during your downtime (e.g., go for a walk, meditate, or practice a favourite hobby or sport).
Discuss your feelings with a counsellor or therapist.
For additional support, consider learning about a carer’s allowance to help with financial assistance while you focus on self-care.
Comfort Keepers Can Help
Caring for others, especially those who have been instrumental in our upbringing, can be uniquely rewarding.
At Comfort Keepers, we value the relationships family carers have with their loved ones, and it’s our goal to help maintain them.
Our Home Support Workers offer respite care and homecare services that help family carers take the time they need to practice self-care with peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving quality assistance.
Connect with Us
To begin starting care for your loved one, see our steps to starting care.
To join our incredible award-winning team, you can apply now or email your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie.
