Carer fatigue: Looking after yourself while caring for others

Vicki’s pain wasn’t going away and she couldn’t figure out why.

She was healthy, ate well, exercised regularly...but the pain just wouldn’t let up, even keeping her from sleeping sometimes.

Finally, she realised it might be the culmination of years of stress. She’d cared for her husband, Michael, for over a decade and he’d only just transitioned into permanent residential care. 

For the first time, she felt relief – but her body was catching up after years of pushing through exhaustion.

Caring for someone living with dementia can be emotionally and mentally overwhelming but it can take a physical toll too. Find out how Vicki regained her health and how you can implement self-care while caring for someone else.  

+++ 

Hold The Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald. For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   

Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 

This episode was produced by Gia Moylan and Liam Riordan, with sound design by Ryan Pemberton. The executive producers are Gia Moylan and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 

Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.