Stress Awareness Day 2025: Supporting Wellbeing in Home Care

Every year, the theme of Stress Awareness Day places centre stage on the impact of stress in both personal and work life. This year, as part of International Stress Awareness Week (3–7 November 2025), ISMA is urging organisations to spotlight “Optimising Employee Well-being through Strategic Stress Management. At Caremark Barking & Dagenham, we recognise that stress affects not only our clients but also our dedicated team of carers and staff. We actively provide support at every level of our organisation.

Why Stress Matters in Home Care

Stress isn’t just a workplace issue — it touches every part of life. For our clients, changes in health, mobility, independence or social connection can all contribute to feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. Similarly, for our staff and carers, the emotional demands of caring, the pace, shift work, and personal life balance can all make stress a reality.

During Stress Awareness Day and the accompanying week, it’s important to raise awareness about stress triggers, how to manage them, and how to build environments that support wellbeing for everyone involved. For additional resources visit the ISMA website.

Understanding Stress: Signs, Effects & Early Action

Stress can manifest in many ways, from physical symptoms such as headaches, tiredness or disturbed sleep, through to emotional signals like irritability, low mood or lack of motivation. For both clients and staff at Caremark Barking & Dagenham, it’s essential to recognise when stress levels are rising. It’s important to act early.

For our clients

• Changes in routine or health may lead to increased strain, loneliness or confusion.
• Feeling overwhelmed by even simple daily tasks can be a sign stress is building. Stress Awareness Day can help highlight these issues.
• Reduced social interaction or increased isolation often magnify stress.

Carers and staff

• Juggling care responsibilities, shift patterns and personal life can increase pressure. Recognising this on Stress Awareness Day is vital.
• Emotional fatigue or burnout may creep in when support is lacking.
• We all need ongoing recognition, rest and a culture where talking about stress is encouraged.

What Caremark Barking & Dagenham is Doing to Support You

In honour of Stress Awareness Day, we’re reinforcing our commitment to wellbeing across our service:

• Communication and choice: We involve clients and their families in care planning. This gives them control and reduces uncertainty — which helps manage stress.

• Client-centred care: We provide compassionate support that maintains dignity, independence and social connection — not just physical help.

• Carer wellbeing programmes: Our staff have access to training, an open-door policy, and resources designed to reduce work-related stress. These resources build resilience and are especially highlighted during Stress Awareness Day.

• Open culture: Carers, clients and families are encouraged to share concerns about stress — in meetings, check-ins or informal chats.

• Flexible support options: Whether you need occasional help with tasks, companionship, night-time support or full live-in care, the right level of support can reduce stress. It also gives peace of mind.

Simple Tips to Manage Stress Together

Here are a few practical actions that both clients and staff can use to reduce stress:

• Use available services — asking for help early is a strength, not a weakness.

• Take short breaks and ensure rest periods — even a few minutes of mindful breathing helps.

• Maintain social contact — a chat, a walk, or shared activity can lift mood and reduce tension.

• Keep routines where possible — they create predictability and reduce anxiety.

• Talk openly about how you feel — support is stronger when concerns are shared.

Conclusion: Let’s Make Wellbeing a Priority on Stress Awareness Day

On Wednesday 5 November 2025 — Stress Awareness Day — and throughout the week, let’s actively commit to reducing stress for everyone connected to home care, including clients, carers, staff, and families. By doing so, and by recognising stress early, talking openly, and making good use of our support network, we can therefore create a healthier, more resilient community at Caremark Barking & Dagenham.

👉 If you’d like to talk about how our home care services can support you, or if you’re a carer wanting to discuss wellbeing resources, please contact us today.