Carer burnout — recognising it and what to do

There are 2.65 million unpaid carers in Australia — people who care for a family member or friend with a disability, chronic illness, or age-related condition. Most of them are doing this alongside work, parenting, and their own lives. And most of them are running on empty without realising it.

What carer burnout looks like

Burnout doesn't announce itself. It creeps up gradually. Signs include:

• Feeling resentful or angry toward the person you care for — and then guilty about feeling that way
• Exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix
• Withdrawing from friends and activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling like nothing you do is good enough
• Physical symptoms — headaches, getting sick more often, not eating well
• Anxiety or constant worry, even when you're not actively caring
• Feeling trapped, hopeless, or like there's no way out

The Carer Gateway — free support for carers

Carer Gateway is Australia's national program for unpaid carers. It is free, government-funded, and separate from the aged care system for the person you're caring for. It is specifically for you.

Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au. Available services include:

• Counselling and mental health support
• Coaching and practical support
• Respite care — from a few hours to weeks
• Peer support groups
• Emergency support if your caring situation is in crisis

Carer Payment and Carer Allowance

If you provide constant care to someone with a severe disability or medical condition, you may be eligible for Carer Payment or Carer Allowance through Centrelink. Many eligible carers don't claim because they don't know they qualify. Contact Services Australia on 132 717 or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Respite — taking a break is not abandoning someone

Respite is government-funded break time for carers. It can be in-home respite (someone comes to you), out-of-home day respite, or residential respite (short-term placement in a facility). Up to 63 days per year of residential respite is available through the aged care system. Carer Gateway also provides emergency respite when carers are in crisis.