Caring for the Carer: Looking After Yourself While Supporting Someone with Parkinson’s

Being a carer for someone with a chronic condition like Parkinson’s is incredibly important part of the overall care team. You play a vital role in their health and wellbeing. But caring can also be demanding, and over time, it can affect your own physical and mental health.

That’s why self-care for care partners isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Why Carer Wellbeing Matters

When you’re focused on someone else’s needs, it’s easy to put your own health last. But the truth is, you can’t care well for someone else if you’re running on empty. Looking after yourself helps you stay strong, both for your own sake and for the person you care for.

Your GP is there to support you too. They have the knowledge and experience to help carers manage their own health. The NAT-CC (Needs Assessment Tool for Carers of people with Chronic Conditions) is a helpful tool that we have integrated into the YOPX app. It can highlight any concerns you may have to give your GP a clearer picture of how you’re coping, so they can offer the right support and advice. Just complete the CARER CHECK-IN in the app and email it to yourself to bring to the GPs office with you.

Four Key Facts About Carer Burnout and Self-Care

  1. Up to 60% of carers for people with chronic illnesses report high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion.
  2. Carers who don’t take regular breaks are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
  3. Mindfulness, physical activity, and social support have been shown to reduce stress and improve carer wellbeing.
  4. When carers receive support, the person they care for also benefits, with better health outcomes and fewer hospital visits.

Signs You Might Be Burning Out

  • Feeling tired all the time, even after rest
  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Feeling irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed
  • Getting sick more often
  • Withdrawing from friends or family.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to check in with yourself and take action. You can also use the Caregiver Burden Scale (pdf) or find out more through the Black Dog Institute.

Simple Self-Care Tips for Carers

You don’t need hours of free time to practise self-care. Small, regular habits can make a big difference.

  • Take 10 minutes for yourself: Even a short walk, a quiet cup of tea, or a few deep breaths can help you reset.
  • Talk to someone, anyone: Share how you’re feeling with a friend, support group, or counsellor. You’re not alone.
  • Prioritise your sleep: Try to get enough rest. If sleep is difficult, speak to your GP for support.
  • Eat well and stay active: Healthy food and gentle movement can boost your energy and mood.
  • Schedule Breaks: Use respite services or ask family and friends to help. Everyone needs time to recharge.

Support Services That Can Help

  • Carer Gateway – Offers free counselling, coaching, and respite. Visit carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737.
  • Your GP – Complete the CARER CHECK-IN and bring the printout to your next appointment, and discuss your needs with your GP.
  • Join an online or face-to-face caregiver support group. There are groups for Australian Care Partners of people living with Parkinson’s.
  • Share this article with other carers who might need it.

Remember, your health matters too. Self-care for the Care Partner information sheet from Parkinson’s Australia, along with additional resources, can be found in the Friends, Family & Carers pillar on YOPX. 

References

  1. Adelman, R. D., Tmanova, L. L., Delgado, D., Dion, S., & Lachs, M. S. (2014). Caregiver burden: A clinical review. JAMA, 311(10), 1052–1060. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.304
  2. Lageman, S. K., Mickens, M. N., & Cash, T. V. (2015). Caregiver-identified needs and barriers to care in Parkinson’s disease. Geriatric Nursing, 36(3), 197–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.01.002
  3. McLaughlin, D., Hasson, F., Kernohan, W. G., Waldron, M., McLaughlin, M., Cochrane, B., & Chambers, H. (2010). Living and coping with Parkinson’s disease: Perceptions of informal carers. Palliative Medicine, 25(2), 177–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216310385604
  4. Mosley, P. E., Moodie, R., & Dissanayaka, N. (2017). Caregiver burden in Parkinson disease: A critical review of recent literature. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 30(5), 235–252. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891988717720302
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