iSavta | 23.05.2026

There will be days when you miss home so much it feels like a physical ache in your chest. You miss your children's voices, your mother's cooking, the familiar sounds of your neighborhood, the holidays you used to celebrate together. This feeling is called homesickness, and if you are a caregiver working in Israel far from your family, you have most likely already felt it.

Homesickness is completely normal. It does not mean you made the wrong decision. It means you love your family and your home. But it can also become overwhelming if you do not manage it well. Here are some honest and practical ways to cope.

Understand That Homesickness Comes in Waves

Some days will be fine. You will be busy, engaged, and feeling okay. Then a song, a smell, or a date on the calendar will remind you of home and the sadness will rush back.

This is normal. Homesickness does not stay at the same level every day. Knowing this helps — when a hard day comes, remind yourself it will pass. You have gotten through hard days before.

Stay Connected With Family — But Find Balance

Calling or video chatting with your family is important. It keeps your relationships strong and helps everyone feel less lonely. But too many calls, especially emotional ones, can actually make homesickness worse instead of better.

Some tips for healthy communication with family:

• Set a regular call schedule so you and your family have something to look forward to
• Try not to end every call in tears — spend some time sharing happy news and funny moments too
• Avoid calling when you are already upset — wait until you are calm so the call lifts your mood instead of pulling it down
• Send voice messages or photos during the week — small connections make the big calls feel less heavy

Create a Small Piece of Home Where You Are

Your room or personal space matters more than you think. When your surroundings feel a little familiar, your heart feels calmer.

• Put up a few photos of your family
• Keep something meaningful from home — a small item, a piece of fabric, a favorite food snack if possible
• Cook a dish from your home country when you have a day off
• Listen to music from home — familiar songs can comfort your heart

Build Friendships in Israel

Having people around you who understand your experience makes a big difference. Other caregivers from your country — or even from different countries — often share the same feelings. They know what it is like.

• Join community groups for caregivers in your city
• Connect with people from your country through churches, temples, or community centers
• Spend your rest day with other caregivers who you enjoy being around
• Join online groups or chats for migrant caregivers in Israel

Even one or two good friends nearby can be the difference between coping and struggling.

Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

One of the hardest things about homesickness is feeling like time is not moving. When every week looks the same, it can feel endless.

Creating things to look forward to helps break that feeling:

• Plan your next phone call with family
• Set a savings goal and mark your progress
• Plan a short trip or outing on your day off
• Set a vacation date — even if it is months away, having a goal helps you feel like you are moving forward

Be Kind to Yourself on Bad Days

On the days when everything feels heavy, be gentle with yourself. You do not have to feel strong all the time. It is okay to cry. It is okay to miss home deeply. What matters is that you do not stay in that dark place for too long.

If sadness is affecting your sleep, your appetite, or your ability to care for your patient, please talk to someone — a friend, a community worker, or a counselor. You do not have to carry everything alone.