Where to start › When a parent moves in
When the caring stops feeling like anything
If you feel worn out or numb while caring for a parent, tell your doctor or counselor what has changed. The term “compassion fatigue” may help you describe it. But you do not need a diagnosis to ask for real help.
What the study found
Three researchers, Day, Anderson and Davis, looked at compassion fatigue in adult daughters caring for a parent with dementia. Their 2014 study was based on interviews. It found signs that these caregivers might be at risk, and it called for larger studies. It did not show how common compassion fatigue is among all family caregivers. It did not show that the risk is higher than for paid staff. It did not test a treatment.[1]
The term gives you one way to talk about finding it hard to respond to another person's suffering. It does not tell you why you, in particular, feel numb or worn out.[1]
Where to ask for help
The Family Caregiver Alliance suggests getting help with care tasks, taking breaks, and looking after your own health. It also suggests talking with a doctor if you stay upset, or if you stop enjoying things for a long time. These are kinds of support. They are not a proven cure for compassion fatigue.[2]
You might start with this sentence: “I'm still doing the care, but I feel numb inside and I need help working out what is happening.” You can say it to your doctor, a counselor, or someone helping you arrange care.
Questions to get ready
This is a list to help you talk it through. It is not a test:
- When did this feeling begin?
- What is happening to my sleep and my time away from care?
- Which task could someone else take over this week?
- Who can help me set up a break that will really happen?
The respite guide describes ways to get a break. Our caregiver support guide has more questions like these. You can care about someone and still need to change how the care is set up.
Quick answers
Does this study prove family caregivers face greater risk than nurses?
No. The study looks at the idea in daughters who care for a parent, and it calls for more research. It does not prove that comparison. [1]
Are breaks a proven cure for compassion fatigue?
The study cited here did not test a cure. Breaks, hands-on help, and looking after your own health are kinds of support the Family Caregiver Alliance describes. [1, 2]
Sources and what they support
Sources checked 2026-09-17 using AI-assisted editorial research. This is a source check, not a clinical review.
- Day, Anderson, and Davis (2014), compassion fatigue. Exploratory qualitative research concerning daughters caring for a parent with dementia.
- Family Caregiver Alliance, taking care of yourself. Practical support guidance; not evidence of a specific compassion-fatigue treatment.