Practical ways to prevent carer burnout  

When a loved one depends on you for care, taking time for yourself might feel like a luxury or even something you might feel guilty about. 

But looking after your own health and wellbeing isn’t separate from your role as a carer – it’s an important part of it.  

Looking after yourself makes it possible to keep going by creating a more sustainable, long-term rhythm of care. 

At Avivo, we see carers as an essential part of the aged care and disability support care system. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting you too and passionate about helping you avoid carer burnout. 

Carers need care too 

Caring for someone you love is an important yet constant responsibility that comes with many layers. 

While every care situation is different, it’s still a mix of physical, mental, and emotional work you do that doesn’t really switch off. 

For this reason, it’s important to regularly recognise and respond to your own needs for rest and care so that you don’t burn out. 

Even if it feels out of reach, or unrealistic. And not just in crisis or if burnout hits – but along the way. 

What is carer burnout? 

Burnout is when you feel emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted from excessive demands at work, including unpaid carer duties, or in your personal life.¹ 

If you’re experiencing stress or burnout as a carer, you might feel: 

• physically and emotionally exhausted; 

• negative about your duties; or 

• less effective in your duties.² 

It’s important to prevent burnout by noticing these signs early. This way, you can make changes before things get too overwhelming. 

Your role is important  

Carers WA estimates that 320,000 Western Australians provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who requires help due to illness, disability or frail age.³ 

This often-unseen work is an essential force in our community. It provides the type of deep comfort, encouragement, and reassurance to a person that no one else can.  

So, if people encourage you to look after yourself and ‘take a break’, remember how deserving you are and the big difference that you make. 

Small shifts in how you think about rest can make it more possible to step away, so you can provide better care for longer. 

Six practical ways to avoid carer burnout 

1. Make use of carer respite support 

Taking a break doesn’t mean stepping away completely – it simply means giving yourself a bit of space to rest and recharge. 

Many carers we support tell us that even a few hours of breathing room can make a meaningful difference. 

At Avivo, you can access a variety of carer supports that are built into our services. 

Our range of carer support services: 

• In-home respite care 

Support at home while you take time for yourself. 

• Community-based respite 

Support for your loved one to get out and about. 

• Overnight or short-term stays 

Planned breaks when you need extra time to recharge. 

• Support navigating funding and options available to you 

We’ll guide you through options like Carer Gateway, Home Care Packages, and other programs. 

Through these services we can help you: 

• step away for a few hours or take a longer break; 

• support your own wellbeing to sustain your caring role; and 

• reduce stress and strengthen relationships. 

Depending on your situation, these supports may be available through the Support at Home Program (for aged care carers) or the Family Support Program (for disability carers). 

If you’re not sure where to start, our friendly team can help you explore your options. 

2. Access national Carer Gateway supports 

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative that gives carers access to practical help, advice, and respite.  

Their range of services is for anyone who provides unpaid care to a family member or friend who needs extra support. You may be able to access the following types of help: 

• counselling and peer support programs; 

• emergency and planned respite; 

• carer coaching and skills courses; or 

• help with navigating supports and services. 

Avivo can work alongside you to make sense of the options and ensure you’re supported in a way that fits your life.  

To learn more or apply, visit Carer Gateway or call 1800 422 737.  

3. Find your people  

As well as accessing carer support programs through Avivo and organisations like Carer Gateway, it’s good to prioritise being in the company of other carers who know what it’s like. 

There are many mental health benefits that come with feeling understood and heard by your peers. 

Connecting with other carers can: 

• reduce any feelings of isolation or carer burnout; 

• offer practical advice from lived experience; and 

• create space to be yourself, not just ‘the carer’. 

Join a carer support group 

If you’re looking to find your people, it might be worth exploring local groups or even creating your own.  

Here are some great places to start: 

• Befriend – a non-profit social enterprise in Perth connection people to local interest events and helping people to create their own. 

• Carers WA – regular program of metropolitan and regional events for all carers. 

• Carer Gateway – peer support groups, both in-person and online. 

And if nothing quite fits, you could think about starting a small circle of your own. With support like an Avivo Small Sparks grant, you can create something that feels right for you and that others will likely enjoy too. Some ideas could include a book club or a relaxed walk and talk event in your own suburb. 

4. Look after yourself, not just your to-do list 

Caring often puts your own needs at the bottom of the list. The physical and mental toll over time means your body carries a lot of the load. To avoid carer burnout it’s important to look after your body. 

Physical health 

In a world where we’re constantly ‘on’ and connected to technology, small moments of reconnection to our bodies and energetic capacity matter more than ever. 

Gentle, consistent practices are important in helping you release stress and restore your energy. 

Try activities like: 

• walking (around the block or in nature); 

• yoga or stretching; 

• breathwork; or 

• restorative practices like sound healing. 

Mental health 

Taking care of someone can be stressful, and sometimes you might feel anxious, angry, frustrated, resentful or sad. It’s important that you find ways to manage your stress and stay mentally healthy.⁴ 

A great way to start doing this is to make sure you talk to someone if you need help to relieve stress. This could be other carers, friends, or people you trust. 

And while caring doesn’t come with the traditional workplace, support of a HR department or a manager to speak to, support is still available. 

• Services like Carer Gateway offer free phone counselling, giving you the chance to speak with a professional about what you’re navigating and find ways to manage stress.  

• You may also be able to access a mental health care plan through your GP, which can cover sessions with a psychologist. 

• Alongside this, organisations like Carers WA, Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and healthdirect provide free and confidential support if you need someone to talk to. 

While reaching out can feel like a big step, it can also be a relief.  

Free Avivo events for mental health carers 

Avivo connects carers who care for someone with a mental health condition through regular carer events across Perth. 

From relaxed lunches to creative sessions like pottery or sound healing, there’s always something on. 

Our events, workshops, and local gatherings are a chance to connect with others, share experiences, and learn new skills to support your caring journey.  

Explore our latest events here. 

5. Don’t lose sight of you 

Caring is part of your life, but it’s not all of who you are.  

Find time for what you love 

As part of staying well, try to keep small connections to the things that bring you joy. 

This might include things like: 

• hobbies or creative outlets; 

• time with friends; 

• enjoying a favourite meal or tv show; or 

• moments that are just yours. 

Plan for rest  

Think of rest as something to build into your routine, not something you earn once you’re already exhausted. 

It’s important to feel relaxed so you can then properly enjoy the things that bring you joy. Even having something simple to look forward to, like lunch with a friend in a few weeks, can make a difference. 

As much as you can, try to: 

• plan regular breaks; 

• use your carer’s leave; and 

• schedule time off in advance. 

6. Consider aged care or disability support  

Remember, you don’t have to hold every piece of disability support on your own. 

Bringing in trusted, consistent support can help ease the pressure – not replacing your role, but sharing it. 

If you’re ready to explore in-home aged care or disability support, talk to us today. 

It’s OK to take a break!

Caring for yourself is not separate from caring for your loved one. It’s what makes it possible for you to keep going. 

At Avivo, we know that caring for someone you love is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. That’s why we provide services so you can take a break, look after your own wellbeing, and feel confident your family member or friend is in safe hands. 

You’re not alone. Avivo’s local and inclusive support network is here for you. 

Whether you need a short break, ongoing respite, or help navigating the funding options, get in touch with our friendly team today for a no-strings chat.