Caregiver burnout: recognise strain and get support

At a glance

When caring leaves you persistently exhausted, isolated or unable to manage your own needs, the care arrangement may need more support. “Burnout” is a common description, not a diagnosis from this page. You do not need to wait until you cannot continue before asking for help.

Notice what has changed

Difficulty sleeping, irritability, withdrawal or neglecting your own health can be reasons to speak with a health professional. Tell them how long this has been happening and how it affects daily life. Do not assume every symptom is caused by caring.

Plan your next steps

Make the next week more manageable

Identify one task that another person or service could take over. Ask for a specific commitment and time.
Arrange a break with a clear handover and someone able to meet the person’s needs.
Book time for your own health appointments and essential rest.
Tell the care coordinator or treating team where the current arrangement is failing.
Write a backup plan for illness or a point when you cannot continue safely.

A short support request

“I can continue with ____, but I cannot keep doing ____. We need someone to cover ____ by ____. If that is not possible, we need to ask a service about another arrangement.”

Try to make the plan sustainable rather than adding another list of self-care tasks to an already full day. Support may involve respite, a different schedule or a reassessment of care needs.

Questions and useful links

Where can I ask for help?

Australia: Carer Gateway provides information and carer support on 1800 422 737. United States: Eldercare Locator can connect you with local services on 1-800-677-1116. Discuss persistent distress with a health professional.

What if someone is at immediate risk?

If you or the person you care for is in immediate danger, call 000 in Australia or 911 in the US. Tell responders about any person who depends on you for care.

Find respite care · Make a backup care plan · Caregiver help

Sources and review

Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Caregiver stress. Accessed 19 September 2026.

Carer Gateway. (n.d.). Carer Gateway. Accessed 19 September 2026.

Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). Eldercare Locator. Accessed 19 September 2026.

About this guide
Australia and United States • Prepared September 2026. Editorial lead: Louise Simon. Independent specialist review has not yet been completed. General information; confirm advice for your circumstances.