Family members and loved ones of those living with a disability often adopt the role of caregiver. Providing the level of support that is required for those in need of complex care, especially for those with cognitive, psychosocial, and developmental disabilities, can often mean sacrificing personal time, hobbies, and career aspirations. This is especially true in an economic climate that requires most of us to split our already limited time between employment, household responsibilities and self-care. Indeed, we often forget that this selflessness, while praised in social circles, comes with a hidden yet salient cost to those who provide it.
What causes compassion fatigue?
The cumulative stress experienced by families of disabled individuals is commonly referred to as “compassion fatigue”. Compassion fatigue not only manifests in emotional symptoms, such as exhaustion, but also has a profound psychological and physical impact, affecting the caregiver’s ability to empathise with and provide compassionate care to those they love. The resulting fatigue, frustration, and simmering resentment can cause once-tight-knit relationships to unravel, leaving a lasting impact on families and their members.
Unlike professionals who can go home and isolate from their clients and patients after a long day of work, family caregivers never “clock out” of providing support to their loved ones, whether this be managing behavioural obstacles, social events, sensory issues, or physical challenges. Family members often don’t recognise their exhaustion as compassion fatigue. They think it’s just “part of being a parent” or “family duty.” This makes it harder to seek help or take breaks. Family caregivers face unique challenges because the emotional investment is deeper, the responsibility never ends, and social expectations result in unrealistic demands that lead to a gradual emotional overload.
What are the symptoms of compassion fatigue?
Compassion fatigue generally doesn’t strike suddenly, but is the accumulated and natural response to caring deeply while facing constant emotional demands. Symptoms can be broken down into several categories: physical, emotional, and behavioural. Not all caregivers will experience compassion fatigue in the same way, and the impacts may vary from person to person. However, the most common symptoms under each category include:
Physical Symptoms
- Chronic exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix
- Frequent headaches or muscle tension
- Getting sick more often
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Emotional Symptoms
- Feeling numb or disconnected
- Increased irritability with family and friends
- Feeling hopeless about making a difference
Behavioral Symptoms
- Isolating from colleagues and loved ones
- Calling in sick and avoiding work or demanding tasks more frequently
- Exhibiting uncharacteristic signs of frustration
Is compassion fatigue the same as burnout?
The terms compassion fatigue and burnout are often used interchangeably; however, they describe different conditions that should not be confused. Burnout refers to workplace stress and is often associated with unrealistic deadlines, poor management, or excessive workloads. Compassion fatigue, on the other hand, comes from absorbing others’ emotional pain and trauma. It can be helpful to think of burnout as your work battery being drained, and compassion fatigue as your caring battery being drained. Of course, both can, and often do, happen simultaneously.
I think I have compassion fatigue. What should I do?
If you’re a family caregiver experiencing compassion fatigue, exploring NDIS supports for your loved one is a good first step. Your family’s well-being is interconnected, and when you’re supported, everyone benefits. The NDIS recognises this reality. Family caregivers are known as “informal supports” and are recognised as key stakeholders in the planning, coordination and delivery of disability support. The wide array of supports provided as part of NDIS plans can provide respite that transforms the lives of participants and their families for the better.
How can I help my loved one receive NDIS funding?
To get started with the NDIS, there are a few crucial steps you will need to take:
- Check eligibility first
- Your loved one needs to be under 65, have a permanent disability that significantly impacts daily life, and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Gather evidence
- Start collecting reports from doctors, therapists, psychologists, and teachers. Think of it like building a case that shows how the disability affects daily life, not just the medical diagnosis.
- Access Request Form
- You can complete the application online through the NDIS portal, call the support number, or visit a local office. The form asks for basic information about your loved one and their disability.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the NDIS portal.
Respite Services through the NDIS
If you’re exhausted from caring for your loved one, the NDIS offers respite services that can help give you breaks when you need them most. This is because, as stated by the NDIS, “…taking some time off can help carers better manage their health and improve their wellbeing”. You can access temporary periods of extra personal support so that your loved one can remain at home when you’re not available, or funding for community activities that give you a break. It can occur in your home with the help of a support worker or through community programs where your family member participates in organised activities and has the opportunity to socialise safely.
How can I help support the caregivers in my life?
The best way to support caregivers is through consistent, specific actions rather than vague offers. Instead of saying “let me know if you need anything,” offer concrete help, such as “Can I watch your loved one on Saturday afternoon so you can rest?” or “I’m going grocery shopping, what can I pick up for you?” Small yet regular gestures, such as bringing a prepared meal, sending a quick “thinking of you” text, or simply showing up consistently, mean more than grand one-time offers. Remember that caregivers often feel isolated and forgotten by friends, so your ongoing presence reminds them they are not alone.
Finding the right provider for you
Registered service providers provide disability support under the NDIS. Many quality disability service providers across Adelaide can provide supports such as personal care, respite services, community access, and therapeutic support. However, not all providers may be suitable for you and your loved one. At Scarlet Homecare, our qualified, skilled, and experienced support workers offer families a wide range of support services tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. We pride ourselves on delivering disability support that allows families to spend quality time together and enjoy personal space to recharge. Contact our caring team at 08 8120 4069 or complete our quick online contact form to discover how Scarlet Homecare can provide the reliable support that gives you back precious time and energy.
