Caregiver Stress

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about one fourth of American families are caring for an older family member, an adult child with disabilities, or a friend. Of these, over 7 million persons are providing some care giving for an older adult. These caregivers include spouses, adult children, and other relatives and friends.

Buried within these statistics are some alarming trends. They include:

  • The average amount of time that caregivers spend on caregiving is about 20 hours per week.
  • One third of all caregivers describe their own health as fair to poor.
  • The duration of the caregiving role varies widely, but estimated averages range from seven to eleven years.
  • More than half of those who provide major care for parents experience significant stress.

What Is Caregiving?

The role of caregiver can have many different levels of involvement. It can happen suddenly as in the case of an unexpected illness or accident or can evolve slowly over time. Perhaps the person is living with you or they could be hundreds of miles away. Caregiving can range from simple tasks like telephone support to complex and time-consuming issues involving health care and activities of daily living. Some of the tasks include:

  • Shopping
  • Telephone assurance
  • Financial and Legal management
  • Chores and maintenance
  • Lifting, bathing, dressing
  • Meal preparation
  • Medication supervision
  • Supervision or coordination of home care services
  • Doctors' appointments
  • Supervision of hospital or nursing home care
  • Emotional and social support

Caregiving involves sacrifice and the commitment of time. And no matter how loving the relationship may be, resentment and stress can easily build up over time. It is important for the caregiver to establish realistic expectations and limits. In other words, be ready to say "Enough" or "No" when necessary. It may be difficult to do, but if the alternative is that your physical or mental health is being compromised, then you may not be of help to any of the people who need you.

Constant stress can lead to caregiver burnout and health problems. Caregivers often need help caring for an elderly or disabled relative or friend. Sometimes there are other family members, friends or neighbors who can help, but many caregivers do most or all of the caregiving without the benefit of outside assistance. Research has shown that caregivers are often at increased risk for depression and illness. This is especially true if they do not receive enough support from family, friends and the community.

Some of the symptoms of stress and burnout may include:

  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Conflict among the other responsibilities in your life such as spouse, children and work
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, difficulty falling asleep

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek help. Talk to a doctor or a therapist to help manage your health. And don't be afraid to ask family members or friends if they can be of assistance.

Caring for the Caregiver

As a caregiver, you can follow these steps to take care of your own health:

  • Eat a healthy low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Try to get enough sleep and rest.
  • Find time for exercise most days of the week.
  • See your health care provider for a check-up. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to a counselor or therapist.
  • Get involved in social activities with friends or through an organization such as your church, temple or synagogue.
  • Find a caregivers' support group.

If you or a family member needs help dealing with these issues, give us a call at (888) 321-4433. Penn Behavioral Health can provide you with reassurance and practical assistance in a confidential and personal way. You can also reach us through our web site at www.pennbehavioralhealth.org.

As your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) we are available to assist you seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Additional Resources

National Women's Health Information Center
(800) 994-9662

Family Caregiver Alliance
(415) 434-3388
www.caregiver.org

Alzheimer's Association
(800) 272-3900
www.alz.org

National Family Caregivers Association
(800) 896-3650
www.nfcacares.org

Children of Aging Parents
www.caps4caregivers.org