What is carer depression?
For those caring for older loved ones who need a break, respite care can provide tailored, trusted support at home from experienced, compassionate Care Professionals.
What does it mean to provide ‘unpaid care’?
If you regularly look after an older person, you may be providing ‘unpaid care’ – an estimated 1 in 8 people in the UK do. This means supporting a person who is unable to care for themselves independently, and doing so without being paid. Many family members find themselves in this position due to a lack of affordable care options, and may be required to help with tasks such as personal care, mobility support, medication management, household chores, and coordinating medical appointments.
Whether you do this part-time or full-time, this may take time away from paid work, social activities and other responsibilities, all of which can have a significant impact on carers over time and potentially cause burnout or carer depression.
What is carer depression?
Recognising that you are providing unpaid care can be tricky in itself, but it is vital to also recognise when you may be experiencing symptoms of carer burnout or carer depression. These two issues present with similar symptoms, but carer depression may cause:
- Feelings of sadness or low mood
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Physical exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Neglecting your wellbeing
- Social isolation (research suggests 50% of carers say they feel lonely)
- Sleep problems
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of interest in usual activities
Research shows 49% of carers feel depressed, and addressing this is crucial to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the carer and the older person they look after.
You can learn more in our article: Carer’s Burnout: Knowing You Need Respite
Do I need to take a break from caregiving?
Taking a break from caregiving should be viewed as a guilt-free, necessary step in the care process that enables you to recharge and re-establish your duties, for example if you have been working too many hours. As well as the above symptoms, carer depression can sometimes manifest as resentment towards your older loved one, which means you may be experiencing compassion fatigue.
If you think you have carer depression, reach out to your GP to discuss how you can start to feel like yourself again, and if possible, organise respite care. This helps strengthen your relationship with your loved one by having a professional temporarily take over daily duties and provide trusted care, giving you peace of mind that your loved one is in good hands.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
From day one Home Instead has given us a first-class professional caring service. Office staff and carers very helpful and understanding.Paul and Sandra, Clients
We have been relying on Home Instead for nearly five years now and they have been wonderfully helpful and flexible throughout. I don’t know what we’d do without them.Carol, Client
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How to get started arranging respite care
If you are curious about arranging bespoke respite care and would like to discuss occasional visiting care, overnight care to allow you to go home and sleep, or even live-in care for full-time support, we can help.
Respite care can be arranged for any reason. You might need time off for a special event, to go on holiday with your family, or simply to physically rest and mentally reset if you have carer depression. Whatever your reasons, time off can help you keep providing the best care long term.
Research suggests 36% of carers may be unaware of the services available, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a no-obligation chat – we provide supportive respite care that prioritises your loved one’s needs, and your mental health.
Why Home Instead?
Our friendly Care Professionals offer flexible respite care any time you need a break, so you can rest assured that your loved one is in safe hands when you’re not around. We are proud to provide respite care that is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and delivered by our dedicated Care Professionals who can provide the bespoke combination of care needs your loved one requires to stay safe, content and comfortable at home.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the CQC. We work hard to ensure your loved one is paired with someone who has the appropriate knowledge and experience to help, and who can make you feel at ease leaving your older loved one for the first time.
FAQs
What is carer depression?
Carer depression refers to feelings of persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emotional exhaustion experienced by individuals who provide care for a loved one. It often arises due to the physical, emotional, and mental strain of caregiving, especially when support is limited or the carer neglects their own well-being.
What are the signs of carer depression?
Common signs of carer depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- Fatigue or lack of energy.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or being overwhelmed.
If these symptoms persist, it’s important to seek help.
What causes carer depression?
Carer depression can be caused by:
- Emotional Strain: Managing the needs of a loved one while neglecting personal needs.
- Physical Exhaustion: Long hours of caregiving without adequate rest.
- Social Isolation: Reduced time for social activities or personal relationships.
- Financial Stress: Costs associated with caregiving.
- Lack of Support: Feeling alone or unsupported in caregiving responsibilities.
How can carers get help for depression?
Carers can access support through:
- GP Services: Speak to your GP about your mental health for advice, counselling, or medication.
- Carer Support Groups: Organisations like Carers UK or Mind offer resources and peer support.
- Respite Care: Temporary care services to give carers a break.
- Counselling Services: Access therapy through the NHS or private providers.
- Helplines: Call Samaritans (116 123) or Carers UK (0808 808 7777) for confidential support.
How can home care help with carer depression?
Home respite care provides temporary relief for family carers by having a professional step in to care for your loved one at home. This allows carers to take much-needed breaks, reducing stress and preventing burnout. By offering time to rest, focus on self-care, and reconnect with friends or hobbies, respite care helps alleviate the emotional and physical strain that can lead to depression. Knowing your loved one is in safe, capable hands also provides peace of mind, making it easier to maintain a healthy balance between caregiving and personal well-being.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.