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Caregiver Stress — How to Cope
If you regularly provide care to an older adult family member, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 44 million Americans serve as informal caregivers to loved ones – providing valuable, unpaid care worth an estimated $450 billion if the same care were provided in a formal healthcare setting. While caregivers are making an immeasurable contribution to our society, the burden of daily caregiving can exact a heavy emotional and physical toll. “Many caregivers balance multiple responsibilities that include child-rearing, careers, and household duties,” explains UAB Assistant Professor of Health Behavior Martinique Perkins, Ph.D. “When you add the responsibility of providing full-time care to a loved one, the stress can become overwhelming. That’s why it’s important for caregivers to understand ways to care for their own physical and emotional health so that they can bring their best selves to the caregiving role.”
How Stress Affects Caregivers
- Poor Physical Health. “The long hours and intense demands of caregiving often negatively impact the caregivers’ own physical health,” says Dr. Perkins. “Also, caregivers often neglect their own healthcare needs – such as going to the doctor – because of the demands and time constraints involved in caregiving.”
- Depression. Dr. Perkins says many caregivers report higher levels of depression. “This is often due to feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of caregiving as well as feelings of isolation,” she explains.
- Financial Strain. “Many caregivers miss work days because of their caregiving responsibilities,” adds Dr. Perkins.
- Loss of social groups. “Caregivers often stop attending church or lose contact with other social groups that are important to them,” Dr. Perkins explains.
Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
- Make taking care of your own health a priority. “If a caregiver isn’t in optimal physical health, he or she will have difficulty meeting the demands of caregiving,” says Dr. Perkins. Make sure you eat right, exercise, get plenty of rest, and see your doctor regularly to address any health problems.
- Take time to participate in social activities. “It’s important for caregivers to stay connected to friends and other social groups that are important to them,” explains Dr. Perkins. “Maintaining social relationships outside of the caregiving role helps to combat feelings of isolation and depression.”
- Ask for help – or get paid care. “Caregivers need regular, frequent breaks from taking care of their loved ones so that they can relax and focus on taking care of themselves,” stresses Dr. Perkins. “Ask for help from siblings or other family members. If this isn’t possible, check with faith-based organizations about no-cost sitter services. Also, consider state-sponsored respite services that can provide trained individuals to stay with your loved one when you need time away.”
