Local Program on Compassion Fatigue

This Valentine’s Day, ACAP Cape Fear is sharing the love with family caregivers (and others who care for those who are sick and traumatized). Their February 14th program is Running on Empty: Caregiver Compassion Fatigue presented by Kelly Cahill, Community Nurse Educator with Lower Cape Fear Life Care.

What is caregiver compassion fatigue? 

The National Institute of Health explains that, "Compassion fatigue occurs when a care-giving relationship founded on empathy potentially results in a deep psychological response to stress that progresses to physical, psychological, spiritual, and social exhaustion in the family caregiver."

Most caregivers find themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted at some point. In compassion fatigue this exhaustion leads to a tendency to emotionally withdrawal. This can be costly, both for the caregiver and the care recipient.

If you are a family or professional caregiver, come learn to recognize the signs of “compassion fatigue”, find balance, and learn some strategies and resources for taking care of yourself so you can continue to care for your loved one.

The program will be held at First Baptist Church Activities Center (near Independence Mall) in Wilmington, NC starting at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 14th.

Click here to learn more about ACAP Cape Fear or register for the program, visit 

What is ACAP Cape Fear?

ACAP Cape Fear is a chapter of ACAPcommunity, a non-profit providing support, podcasts, symposiums, and monthly educational programs on aging-related topics. While the information is geared toward adult children of aging parents, all resources are open to anyone interested in learning more. Their monthly programs are also streamed live on their Facebook page and YouTube Channel. Attendance to any of their monthly programs is free and open to the public.