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How to Deal with Homesickness When You Live in Someone Else’s Home

iSavta | 19.10.2025

Working abroad as a caregiver is a big sacrifice. You leave your home, your family, your language, and the life you are used to. You live in someone else’s house, follow their rules, eat their food, and care for a person who is not your family. While you are earning for your loved ones, your heart is still back home. Feeling homesick is normal. But if the sadness becomes too strong, it can affect your work, your health, and your happiness. In this article, we will talk about simple and real ways to handle homesickness while living in your employer’s home.

Understand That Homesickness Is Normal

Homesickness does not mean you are weak. It means you love your family and your home. Almost every caregiver feels this — especially at night, during holidays, birthdays, or when you see families together. Do not be ashamed of it. Accept that missing home is part of your journey. When you understand that it is normal, it becomes easier to manage.

Make Your Space Feel Like Home

Even if you only have a small room or a bed inside your patient’s house, you can still make it feel like your own space.

Put photos of your family on the wall or beside your bed.
Keep a small item from home — a scarf, keychain, rosary, or pillowcase.
Use your own blanket or bedsheet if you can.
Keep your space clean and organized.

This small area becomes your safe place. When you enter your room, you can breathe and feel calm.

Create a Daily Routine

Having no routine can make you feel lost. Following a routine gives your mind stability.

Wake up at the same time.
Take a quick shower or wash your face.
Make coffee or tea before starting work.
Take small breaks during the day if possible.
Write in a notebook before going to sleep.

Routine makes your days feel more natural and less lonely. It helps your mind adjust to your new life abroad.

Stay Connected to Your Family, but in a Healthy Way

Talking to your family is important, but too much communication can sometimes make you feel worse.

Try this:

Decide on a regular schedule for calls — maybe once or twice a week.
Send short voice messages or photos during the week.
Tell your family honestly if you are tired or cannot talk long.
Avoid heavy conversations right before sleep.

Healthy communication means staying close without making your heart too heavy.

Find Something That Makes You Happy

When your patient is sleeping or quiet, the silence can make homesickness stronger. Instead of letting your mind become sad, do small things you enjoy.

You can:

Read a book or e-book in your own language.
Listen to music or podcasts while folding laundry or cooking.
Watch light movies or series.
Learn something new online — language, baking, music, or simple skills.
Write letters or journal entries to express your feelings.

Keeping your mind active helps avoid overthinking and sadness.

Talk to Other Caregivers

You are not alone. Many caregivers feel exactly the same way, even if they don’t say it.

Join Facebook groups for caregivers in Israel.
Talk to your friends from the same country or from other countries.
Share your feelings, but also listen to others.
Give support and receive support.

Sometimes, hearing “I feel that too” from someone else can make you feel lighter.

Stay Connected to Your Culture and Traditions

Even when you are far away, you can still feel close to your culture.

Celebrate your country’s holidays, even in a simple way.
Cook your traditional food if ingredients are available.
Play music from your home country while cleaning or resting.
If you pray, continue your prayers or spiritual routines.
Video call your family during important celebrations.

These small actions remind you of who you are and where you come from.

Take Care of Your Body and Mind

Homesickness becomes worse when your body is tired or stressed.

Get enough sleep when possible.
Drink water and eat on time.
Stretch your body or walk around during free time.
Breathe slowly when you feel sad — inhale, hold, exhale.

Your physical health and mental health are connected. Taking care of one helps the other.

Conclusion

Being a caregiver abroad means working hard not only with your hands but also with your heart. Missing home is a natural part of your life overseas. You cannot remove homesickness completely, but you can manage it. By creating a personal space, keeping a routine, staying connected to family in healthy ways, talking to other caregivers, and caring for yourself, you can feel stronger and more at peace. Remember — you are doing your best for your family and for your future. You are not alone in this journey.

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