Caring for others in our community is more than a job it’s a passion and a calling. At Premier Community, we are incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated carers who pour their hearts into the lives of those they support every day. It’s a role full of compassion, purpose and human connection. With the role requiring you to be mentally, physically and emotionally present during the hours of caring for others, it can of course take a toll for those moments when you should be caring for yourself.
Self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s one of the most responsible things you can do—not just for your own wellbeing, but for the people you care for too. When you’re well-rested, emotionally balanced, and supported, you’re able to give the best version of yourself to others. Here are some helpful tips and gentle reminders to help you care for yourself while you care for others.
Acknowledge That You Matter, Too
In the care world, it’s easy to get swept up in someone else’s needs. But integrity starts with honesty—including honesty with yourself. If you’re feeling drained, stressed, or overwhelmed, it’s okay to say so. Acknowledging how you feel is the first step in taking care of yourself.
Tip: Try checking in with yourself daily. Ask, “How am I doing today—really?” Whether you write it down somewhere, say it out loud, or reflect quietly, this practice builds self-awareness and helps prevent burnout.
Lean on Your Premier Community Family
Premier Community is founded on family values. While we apply these values to the care we provide, we must also take care of one another, just like a big family.
Gill Isterling founded Premier Community 30 years ago on her instinct for family and care. Today, this is still a core belief of our community. Taking care of service users and each other with the same kindness and care you’d find in a family.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a fellow carer, supervisor, or manager if you’re struggling. Even a short chat with someone who understands can make a huge difference. Sharing experiences and lifting one another up is part of what keeps our community strong.
Build Routines That Include You
In a role that revolves around other people’s needs, your own routines can slip through the cracks. That’s why it’s so important to intentionally carve out time for yourself. Consider doing things that make you feel refreshed and have a positive impact towards your day. whether it’s a quiet cup of tea before work, a walk after your shift, or 10 minutes of breathing exercises.
Tip: Try creating a morning or evening routines where you can acknowledge that this is “me time” Even small moments of consistency help build resilience and create space for calm.
Use Technology to Support Your Wellbeing
Innovation isn’t just for the people we care for—it can support you, too. From wellness apps that guide meditation to scheduling tools that help manage your shifts, technology can ease the mental load and give you back some time.
Tip: As a Premier Community carer, you can download the wisdom app where you can find support for a variety of feelings that could be consuming you. Our community is built on Family Values, but sometimes you may want confidential advice or support. To find out more visit the website or get in touch with Head office to find out more.
Celebrate Your Impact
It’s easy to forget just how much your work matters. Simply being that friendly face to those who need it most in our community creates a wider impact supporting service users’ families and of course to Premier Community as a care provider.
Premier Community believes in delivering a personalised experience to those we support, and your dedicated acts of care is the reason we can provide this service over Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Tip: Keep a “positive moments” log. Jot down kind words from Service Users, small wins, or moments that made you smile. Revisit this when you need a boost—it’s a powerful reminder of the difference you make.
Also, if you hear positive feedback about colleagues be sure to pass this back to Head Office so we can pass this onto the carer as well as share this positivity into our community.
Remember Why You Started
As much as caring is a natural ability and role to fulfil for many of those that care, we acknowledge it isn’t easy at times, as previously mentioned it comes with its mental, physical and emotional toll. However, its deeply meaningful. Reconnecting with your ‘why’—whether it’s a passion for helping people, a personal experience, or a love of building connections—can reignite your sense of purpose when things get tough.
Tip: When you feel tired or discouraged, remind yourself: What I do matters. I make a real difference every day.
At Premier Community, we don’t just talk about care—we live it. That includes caring for the carers who make our mission possible. Let’s continue to lead with integrity, support each other like family, deliver a personalised experience every time, and look for innovative ways to stay strong together.
You deserve the same kindness and care that you give to others. So, take that extra moment for yourself.
