FEBRUARY 2026
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy. Fremont CA 94538 Hours: Monday-Friday 8am—4:30pm 510-790-6600
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct. Fremont CA 94539 Hours: Monday-Friday 8am—4:30pm 510-742-7540
COMPASSION FATIGUE: THE IMPACT ON FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS
and sleep disturbances. Emotionally, they often feel irritability, anxiety, hopelessness, or troubling detachment from their care recipient. Many caregivers feel guilty about these reactions, deepening distress. They may dread interactions that once brought joy or avoid caregiving duties, straining relationships and their sense of self.
Compassion fatigue is a profound emotional and physical exhaustion that occurs when family caregivers provide sustained care for elderly loved ones. Unlike simple burnout, it involves a gradual erosion of empathy, leaving caregivers feeling numb, detached, or overwhelmed. Family caregivers are particularly vulnerable as they watch parents, spouses, or family members decline while managing medical appointments, personal care, and their own lives. Continuous exposure to suffering, combined with helplessness about stopping disease progression, creates conditions where compassion fatigue flourishes. Symptoms affect caregivers on multiple levels. Physically, they may experience chronic exhaustion, frequent illness,
city.fremont.gov/agewellcenters /AgeWellCenters agewellcenters@fremont.gov
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Addressing compassion fatigue requires recognizing that self-care is essential, not selfish. Setting boundaries, seeking respite care, and accepting help from professional services, support groups, or trusted friends and family can help restore balance. Maintaining interests outside caregiving, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and seeking counseling can replenish emotional reserves. Recognizing compassion fatigue early ensures care can continue with genuine presence rather than depletion. The City of Fremont Family Caregiver Support Program helps address these challenges by offering emotional support services such as counseling, educational workshops, support groups, and connections to community resources. We recognize the essential contributions family caregivers make and provide support to help sustain their vital role with renewed resilience and wellbeing. Learn more about the Family Caregiver Support Program by calling the Senior InfoLine at 510-574-2041.
The County of Alameda
Area Agency on Aging
Read the AWCs policies here