In the world of disability support, carers are often the quiet strength behind the scenes, juggling appointments, medication routines, emotional support, and countless daily tasks. Whether they are family members, friends, or paid support workers, carers carry an invisible load that can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly exhausting.
But what happens when that load becomes too heavy? Carer burnout is a real, serious issue affecting thousands of Australians every year. It’s not a sign of failure, it’s a natural response to prolonged stress, emotional fatigue, and a lack of respite. At Empower Care Services, we’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to recognise burnout early, speak about it openly, and put support systems in place that serve both carers and the people they care for.
Signs of carer burnout may include:
- Ongoing fatigue, even after rest
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Irritability or mood changes
- Withdrawing from social connections
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feelings of resentment or guilt
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up gradually. But when left unacknowledged, it can seriously impact a carer’s health and their ability to provide care safely and compassionately.
Maria’s Story: “I Didn’t Know I Was Burning Out Until I Broke Down”
“I love my son more than anything. But I was running on empty for months. I didn’t have time to eat properly, and I hadn’t seen my friends in over a year. I thought I was just tired until one morning I burst into tears over the dishes. That’s when I realised something was really wrong.”
Maria cares full-time for her adult son with complex needs. For years, she managed everything, appointments, NDIS reviews, overnight care, without outside help. “I felt like I had to do it all myself or I was failing as a mum. But eventually, I couldn’t anymore.” Through the help of a local support coordinator at Empower Care Services, Maria accessed in-home support and planned stays at a dedicated respite home in their area, designed specifically for NDIS participants needing short-term accommodation and support.
“Now, I take one weekend a month for myself. I’ve started walking again. I even went out with friends recently, just for coffee. It doesn’t sound like much, but it saved me.”
The Clinical Impact of Burnout
Carer burnout doesn’t just affect the carer, it affects the entire care environment. Research published by the Australian Journal of General Practice highlights that carers experiencing burnout are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and
substance misuse. Left unaddressed, it can also compromise the quality of care provided to the participant. In children and adults with disability, the emotional wellbeing of carers has been shown to correlate with outcomes like behavioural stability and access to community participation (AIHW, 2020).
Tyson’s Experience as a Support Worker
“I used to think that because I was paid, I couldn’t burn out. But working back-to-back 12- hour shifts and taking on emotional load without debriefing, that got to me.” Tyson has worked as a disability support worker for eight years. While he finds the work rewarding, he also describes feeling; during a particularly intense period where staff shortages and participant crises left him drained. “I’d show up, smile, do the job, but inside I felt disconnected. That’s when my manager at Empower suggested supervision. Just talking it through with someone who got it; Changed everything.”
Tyson now attends regular reflective supervision sessions offered by Empower Care Services. These sessions help him process difficult days, stay grounded, and reconnect with why he started in the field.
How Empower Care Services Supports Carers and Participants
We recognise that for care to be truly person-centred, carers must be well-supported too.
Empower Care Services offers:
- Flexible respite care for families and unpaid carers
- A welcoming respite home designed for short stays that give participants a positive
change of environment, while giving carers much-needed time to reset - Reflective supervision and mental health check-ins for our support staff
- Care coordination that includes the voice of the carer in planning
- Community workshops on recognising burnout and building a sustainable care
rhythm
If you’re reading this and feel the weight of exhaustion in your body or your mind, know that you are not alone. The work you do matters, but so does your wellbeing. Reach out if you need a break, we’re here.
