The aim was to explore the concepts of empathy, compassion, and compassion fatigue among social workers at homes for care or residence and examines the strategies they use to prevent and manage compassion fatigue in both professional and personal contexts. Additionally, it investigates factors that social workers believe could contribute to or prevent compassion fatigue. The studies method was carried out with a qualitative approach. Interviews were conducted with seven social workers and a thematic analysis was used for the results. The results revealed a confusion between the concepts of empathy and compassion, where respondents often used them synonymously. It also highlighted that the Swedish translation of compassion fatigue leads to a misunderstanding of the concept. Strategies as self-compassion and sense of achievement were considered useful by the social workers however criticism was expressed against disengagement, as engagement outside of working hours was considered necessary. Organizational support and time for reflection were considered as key to wellbeing and the lack of resources and administrative demands were pointed out as causes of stress and compassion fatigue. The study also highlights how gender equality aspects affect the status and stress levels of the profession, which should be taken into account to reduce the risk of compassion fatigue and burnout.