Firoozabadi Medical Education Center

Illness affects the whole family Speaking to Firouzabadi Hospital’s Public Relations Office, Sepideh Khassetarash, a senior health psychologist at the hospital, said that the impact of illness extends beyond the individual patient and can affect the wider family.“Neglecting the needs of caregivers can have significant psychological and physical consequences,” she said. “A caregiver’s wellbeing is a fundamental part of the patient’s care journey, and caregiver burnout can ultimately affect the continuity and quality of care.”Fatigue does not mean a lack of commitment Khassetarash highlighted a common misconception among caregivers: that feeling tired or overwhelmed may indicate a lack of love or commitment towards their loved one.She explained that fatigue and emotional exhaustion are often understandable responses to the sustained demands of long-term caregiving. Taking time to rest, asking for help or sharing responsibilities should not be viewed as a failure to fulfil a caring role. Instead, these measures can help caregivers maintain the physical and emotional capacity needed to provide ongoing support.

Recognising the pressures behind caregiver burnout The demands placed on caregivers can extend well beyond the practical aspects of caring for a patient. Disrupted sleep, reduced social interaction, difficulties maintaining employment or education, and persistent concerns about a patient’s condition can gradually contribute to emotional and physical exhaustion.Khassetarash said that persistent anxiety, irritability or a tendency to neglect one’s own health may be important warning signs that a caregiver is struggling and may benefit from additional support.Recognising these changes at an early stage can help families address increasing levels of stress and reduce the risk of more significant psychological and physical exhaustion.

The role of health psychology in long-term care Khassetarash described psychological support as an important component of long-term care, particularly when families are managing prolonged or demanding treatment journeys.Health psychology support at Firouzabadi Hospital can help patients and families develop strategies to manage stress, establish healthy boundaries, strengthen problem-solving skills and challenge unhelpful beliefs. These approaches can support caregivers in maintaining a sustainable balance between meeting the needs of their loved one and protecting their own wellbeing.

Caregiver wellbeing is part of patient care Concluding her remarks, Khassetarash emphasised that neglecting personal health does not make someone a better caregiver.“A caregiver who is sleep-deprived and experiencing significant psychological pressure has less capacity to continue providing care,” she said.She added that health should be viewed more broadly than simply the absence of illness in the patient. Supporting the person who remains alongside the patient throughout the treatment journey is also an important part of providing sustainable, compassionate care.