When Is the Right Time to Ask for Help? 5 Signs Family Caregivers Shouldn’t Ignore
Discover the top 5 signs it’s time for family caregivers to ask for help. Learn when to seek support, avoid burnout, and explore in-home care options with Living Independently Australia.
Caring for an elderly or disabled loved one is one of the most selfless and rewarding things a person can do. But even the most devoted family caregivers reach a point where the responsibilities feel overwhelming.
For many caregivers, the journey begins with enthusiasm and love. But over time, the mental, emotional, and physical toll slowly creeps in. Burnout, stress, and feelings of isolation are all too common. In fact, 1 in 5 Australian family carers report experiencing significant levels of stress, with many saying they feel unsupported in their caregiving role. If you’ve been juggling caregiving duties, work, and personal life, you may not even realise that you’re reaching your breaking point until it’s too late.
The truth is: asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength, love, and sustainability. Recognising when it’s time to seek support can help you avoid burnout, provide better care, and ensure a healthier, happier experience for both you and your loved one.
At Living Independently, we work with countless families across Australia who wish they had asked for help sooner. By spotting the early signs, you can make a proactive choice for your well-being and the well-being of your loved one. Here are 5 clear signs that it may be time to seek professional support.
1. Constant Fatigue or Burnout
If you find yourself feeling physically drained or emotionally depleted most days, it’s a clear indicator that caregiving is taking a heavy toll. Persistent tiredness, poor sleep, and feelings of hopelessness are all common signs of caregiver burnout.
Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint, and the toll it takes can affect your mental, emotional, and physical health. More than 40% of family carers in Australia report feeling emotionally drained, and burnout can eventually make it harder to provide quality care. Getting outside support, whether through respite care, in-home care, or professional help, can alleviate pressure and help you return to caregiving with renewed energy.
Tip: If you feel exhausted most days, it’s time to look into support options, such as NDIS respite care or in-home care services, that can give you the time to rest and recharge.
2. Neglecting Your Own Health
When you’re focused entirely on caring for someone else, it’s easy to neglect your own health. Skipping doctor’s appointments, poor eating habits, and ignoring physical or mental health needs can creep in when caregiving becomes all-consuming.
But your health is just as important as the person you’re caring for. Research shows that caregivers who neglect their health are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, stress-related conditions, and even depression. Taking care of your own well-being means you’re better equipped to provide consistent, compassionate care.
Tip: If you’ve been putting your health on the back burner, it’s time to reach out for help. Respite care or a care coordination service can allow you to attend to your own health while ensuring your loved one is well cared for.
3. Strained Family or Social Relationships
Have you noticed yourself withdrawing from friends and family or feeling tension with others? Caregiving can become so all-consuming that social relationships often suffer. Isolation and interpersonal stress are common when caregiving becomes your entire focus.
Professional support like shared care planning, respite care, or additional NDIS services can give you time and space to reconnect with your support network, allowing you to maintain healthy relationships and feel less isolated.
Tip: If you find yourself constantly cancelling plans or feeling disconnected from your loved ones, it’s a sign that you need to ask for help. Having support allows you to balance caregiving and social connections.
4. Feeling Guilt or Resentment
Guilt and resentment are natural emotions, but if they’re becoming overwhelming, it might indicate that you’re feeling trapped or unsupported in your caregiving role. It’s normal to feel frustration or exhaustion, but these emotions should never dominate your experience.
Studies show that caregivers who experience feelings of guilt and resentment are more likely to experience burnout and mental health struggles. By seeking help—whether through professional caregiving support, respite services, or in-home care—you can ensure your loved one gets the care they need while you maintain emotional balance.
Tip: If guilt or resentment is affecting your ability to care or enjoy life, it’s time to reach out for support. NDIS services and professional caregivers can provide your loved one with the care they deserve, and allow you the space to care for yourself.
5. The Needs of Your Loved One Are Increasing
As the condition of your loved one progresses, caregiving becomes more complex. Whether it’s managing medications, mobility aids, or daily routines, it can be difficult to keep up with increasing care needs.
For example, if your loved one is showing signs of dementia, managing personal care and mobility can become overwhelming. Specialized in-home care, personal care assistance, and NDIS support coordination can help you manage these increased needs and provide your loved one with the quality care they deserve.
Tip: If caregiving tasks are becoming more complex or you’re struggling to manage your loved one’s condition, it’s time to consider professional help. Services such as NDIS-funded personal care, home modifications, or daily living assistance can make a world of difference.
Don’t Wait Until You’re Exhausted
At Living Independently, we understand the emotional and physical strain that caregiving brings. We provide personalised, respectful, and culturally-sensitive in-home care for seniors and people living with disabilities across Australia. Whether you need respite care, daily living assistance, or NDIS coordination, we’re here to support you—and your family.
Asking for help is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved one. You deserve support too, and reaching out early can prevent burnout and ensure your loved one receives the care they need.
Contact Living Independently today to explore our flexible in-home care options. Let’s create a plan that works for your needs and theirs—because no one should have to do it alone.