What’s happening?
Occupational Therapy Australia is raising concerns about increased carer fatigue during the holiday season. The organisation says the festive period can be one of the most exhausting times for carers.
Many Australians provide care for ageing parents, partners, or children with additional needs, and OTA is encouraging carers to prioritise their wellbeing during this period.
OTA board vice president Joanna Murray said carers give so much of themselves year-round.
She said the pressure often intensifies during the holidays. “It’s essential for carers to know they are not alone, and there are practical steps and support systems that can ease the load,”
Why it matters?
Carer fatigue can increase when routines change and extra demands are added, such as school holidays, social commitments, and disrupted schedules, which can add strain.
Joanna Murray said carers often feel pressure to meet holiday expectations.
“The holiday season can create a lot of pressure to do things perfectly,” she said.
“But carers need permission to do what they can, not what they feel they should. Prioritising wellbeing over perfection is vital.”
She said caring can be rewarding, but also demanding.
“Caring is deeply meaningful work, but it can also be incredibly demanding. Taking steps to protect your wellbeing isn’t selfish – it strengthens your ability to keep caring in a sustainable way.”
Local impact
Across Australia, carers may feel added stress during holiday periods.
Joanna Murray said the lack of routine and school holidays can have a strong impact and she encouraged carers to lean on local supports and community organisations.
Local services can help reduce pressure during busy holiday periods.
By the numbers
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There are more than 34,000 registered occupational therapists working across Australia in government, private, and community sectors.
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Occupational Therapy Australia is the peak representative body for occupational therapists nationwide.
Zoom In
Joanna Murray said carers can ease their load by outsourcing everyday tasks.
She suggested asking friends or family for practical help.
“Getting a friend to cook you, or the person you are caring for, a meal; doing an online shop rather than going to the shops, hiring a cleaner or a gardener might require some extra effort or cost a little more, but it frees up valuable time and mental space.
“Small shifts like these can make an enormous difference to a carer’s energy and stress levels, especially when there is more pressure with other aspects of life such as school holidays or increased social engagements.”
She also encouraged carers to set aside extra funding if possible and extended family can be asked to help cover holiday periods.
“Engaging support workers, participating in community organisation events or outings or scheduling therapy sessions with allied health professionals can give carers the small breaks they desperately need to reset,” Joanna said.
Zoom Out
Joanna Murray said the holiday break can be a good time to involve others.
She said flexible work hours or leave can allow loved ones to step in.
“With many people having more flexible hours or taking leave, the holiday break can be an ideal time to get loved ones more involved or schedule visits to help lighten the load.
“It can be as simple as asking someone to sit with the person you care for while you take a break. And if asking directly is hard, some apps – like Gather my Crew, Lotsa Helping Hands or CareCalendar – allow carers to post tasks for family and friends to volunteer for.”
She also highlighted the role of community organisations.
“There are organisations like Carers Australia, Dementia Australia and other community organisations that genuinely want to help,” she said.
“No one should feel they have to navigate the challenges of caring alone.”
What to look for next?
Occupational Therapy Australia is encouraging carers to plan ahead for the holiday season. The organisation is urging carers to ask for help early and set realistic expectations.
