MHM Magazine

40 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 2 | 2021 MHM M any families in South Africa and the world over have little choice but to quietly carry the responsibility of caring for a loved one who is physically or mentally unwell within the home environment. Tending to an ill loved one on an ongoing basis can be immensely stressful on families and particularly the main caregiver. While some stress is normal and usually manageable, many individuals are not only holding down jobs, dealing with the day-to-day concerns of making ends meet and normal family responsibilities, but also have the additional responsibility of having to attend to a loved one who needs ongoing care. The stress and burdens placed on so many of these home carers — who may have to look after a partner with a severe mental disorder or physical disability, a child with special needs, or an ageing parent with dementia, to note just a few possible examples — is often considerable, and they may become highly susceptible to burnout. By Sandy Lewis Social Worker Head of Therapeutic Services Akeso Clinic Johannesburg, Gauteng info@akeso.co.za By Manuela Smith Occupational therapist Akeso Clinic Johannesburg, Gauteng info@akeso.co.za HOME CARERS SHOULD PRIORITISE THEIR OWN WELL-BEING TO AVOID BURNOUT How to tackle the challenge of carer fatigue