When a loved one is diagnosed with a life-changing or limiting illness, or needs assistance following an operation or sickness, the focus on their well-being takes priority.

Their safety and needs are of vital importance during difficult times. Roxanne Cordes, national homecare administrator at Allmed Healthcare Professionals, cautions that the role of caregivers should not be overlooked.

“Whether supporting an older person at home, caring for someone recovering from illness or working with people living with conditions such as dementia, caregivers carry significant physical and emotional demands of their own,” she said.

“The level of support they receive can have a direct impact on the quality of care provided.”

The reality of caregiving

Caregivers play an indispensable role in healthcare, often becoming a constant presence in a patient’s life.

“Responsibilities can range from personal care, dressing and mobility to preparing meals and providing companionship. The physical demands of caregiving can be considerable,” said Cordes.

“A typical day may involve lifting and transferring, assisting with mobility, managing equipment and responding to changes in the patient’s condition. Needs and moods can also shift, requiring constant attention and adaptability.

“For those providing live-in or in-home care, there may be little opportunity to step away when circumstances become challenging.”

Emotional demands

Conditions such as dementia can bring confusion, fear, frustration and distress, sometimes resulting in angry or hurtful responses.

Caregivers need to recognise these reactions as part of the condition rather than taking them personally.

Home-based care can lead to isolation for caregivers, where they do not have access to colleagues to share concerns with or seek advice.

“Regular contact and accessible support gives them a place to raise concerns, discuss changes and seek guidance before challenges become more difficult to manage,” she said.

Supporting those behind care

Caregiver well-being is closely linked to the realities of delivering quality care, which over time, can be physically demanding and emotionally draining.

While this does not mean a difficult day will compromise care, it highlights the importance of having the right support in place.

“Regular check-ins give caregivers a chance to talk through concerns, ask questions and flag changes in a client’s needs before they become more difficult to manage,” advised Cordes.

“Access to appropriate healthcare professionals and support structures are just as important, particularly when something falls outside the caregiver’s responsibilities or skillset.”

“GP’s, nurses or other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care.

Support through training

A caregiver with the right training, clear responsibilities and access to guidance is better positioned to respond when needs change or a situation becomes difficult.

The same applies to emotional support.

“Having someone to turn to can make it easier to manage the pressures of the role rather than trying to carry every challenge alone,” she said.

Aspects to consider:
• Are immediate care needs being met?
• Are caregivers able to raise concerns and ask questions?
• Who to contact when professional guidance is needed?
• Is continuous training available?

“Celebrate those who dedicate their lives to helping others; caregiver well-being cannot be a once-off conversation,” reminded Cordes

Sustainable care starts with three simple principles:
• When caregivers are supported, care is stronger The right training, guidance and support help caregivers respond to changing needs with confidence and compassion.

• Good support happens every day
Regular communication, professional guidance and ongoing learning give caregivers the practical support they need throughout their careers.

• Human contact matters
Care is built on patience, empathy and relationships as much as practical skills. Recognising the emotional demands of the role is part of recognising the work itself.

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