CareGiver Stress

One quarter of adults are presently caring for an aging parent or relative, with close to half (45%) of this group providing care for their spouse. The person responsible for providing this care is called the family caregiver. In most cases, the family caregiver is a spouse, the eldest daughter or the grown child who lives the closest to the parent(s) or other family member needing care. While family caregiving is often very rewarding and a bonding experience, it can also be stressful and cause tension within families. According to a new survey by Home Instead Senior Care, 31% of family caregivers admit they'd like more help, and 25% resent other family members who don't help out more.

Family caregiving can also become stressful if the caregiver has other important and pressing responsibilities, including a job, children to care for, a busy social life, some distance to travel to care for an elderly relative and so on. In fact, caregiving can be particularly hard for a spouse, especially when the care recipient requires around-the-clock assistance. It can even become dangerous if the spousal caregiver has his/her own health issues to deal with, since these health problems are often exacerbated by the stress and lack of attention to their own needs.

A personal story:

My husband’s father had a series of strokes which left him a hemipeligia (paralyzed on one side of his body) and unable to walk but able to assist with transfers to and from his wheelchair. My mother-in-law, being the devoted wife, insisted she care for her husband on her own. She routinely neglected her own health and her own needs. Less than two years into my father-in-law’s care, my mother-in-law died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

Stress manifests itself differently in everyone and may not be easily apparent. But make no mistake; it does take its toll one way or another. I recommend getting help early and regularly. Take time for yourself. Get involved in caregiver support groups, it can be a tremendous relief and support to talk with others who are traveling the same path as you. For more information on Caregiver Stress, a Caregiver Stress Assessment test as well as suggestions to help manage your stress level go to our sister website at www.caregiverstress.com