As Australia’s trusted home care provider, Right at Home shares information for carers about caregiver stress and how to manage it.

Global studies have shown that the mental and physical health of caregivers differs remarkably to that of non-caregivers. More specifically, Australian studies spanning the past decade strongly indicate that caregiver mental and physical health is lower than that of non-caregiver Australians. 

In an article from the Neuroscience Research Unit at the University of Technology Sydney, it was found that due to the “demanding nature of the occupation” nurses are exposed to a higher risk of developing negative mental states such as depression, anxiety and stress. 

In a study focused on Australian women with and without caregiving responsibilities aged 50 years and over, researchers found that carers reported significantly lower participation in health-promoting activities, vigorous physical activity and moderate physical activity. Carers also reported significantly higher responses than non-carers in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Carers were significantly more likely than non-carers to be engaged in part-time employment, with 37% of carers employed part-time and 44% of carers not working.

In another study on the mental and general health of informal carers in Australia, there were statistically significant carer-noncarer status differences in mental and general health outcomes. Ageing had a modifying impact on carers' mental and general health outcomes with older carers coping better with their caregiving responsibilities than younger ones. Physical activities had a positive influence on both the mental and general health of non-carers, with more activities generating better health outcomes.Physical activities only had a modifying impact on carers' mental health. Furthermore, the study found that moderate levels of social drinking had a beneficial modifying impact on carers' mental and general health.

How to alleviate carer stress 

The first step to alleviating stress is to identify your triggers. Once you have pinpointed what sets you off, you can slowly start to implement stress management techniques. 

Here are five practical ways to help reduce carer stress from Carers Victoria:

• Keep healthy, eat well and exercise regularly.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Do not drink coffee or tea in the evening and explore ways to wind down before bed. Meditation, listening to music or reading can help if you have difficulty falling asleep.
• Find out what relaxes you and take regular time out to recharge. Try to do something that you enjoy every day and spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.
• Talk with family and friends about how you feel. Let off steam and encourage them to do the same. It may also help to talk with a professional counsellor.
• Ask for and accept help.

For non-professional caregivers, we at Right at Home Australia understand that care decisions for you and your loved ones are important. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality care under a government-fundedhomecare package. Our tailored services help you and your loved ones to maintain independence and a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. 

If you would like to find out more about our home care services, please call us on 1300 363 802.

For professional caregivers, we are here to support you. If you are experiencing any mental or physical health concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your local Right at Home office or speak to acare manager.

From all ofus here at Right at Home, we are here to help. 

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Right Care Right at Home - Caring for Loved Ones at Home

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and have a comprehensive portfolio of care services that ensure your loved ones get the care they need. Right at Home also provides care through the NDIS disability scheme. If you or someone you love needs care due to changed conditions because of Coronavirus, we have capacity so give us a call. Our number one priority is the safety of our staff and clients, and we follow strict hygiene and safety protocols. 

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Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care) and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney North West; Sydney The Hills; Padstow St George; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Hunter & Port Stephens;  Southern NSW; Toowoomba- Darling Downs; Sunshine Coast; Mackay; Central Queensland; Townsville; Far North Queensland;  Gold Coast South; Gold Coast North; Northern Rivers; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt;