caregiver stress

By Lisa Cuseo-Ott, Ph.D., August 2011 

At some point in our lives we may be called on to provide care for a family member or a friend that is clinically ill, disabled or elderly. The current number of caregivers in the U.S. is approximately 65 million people or 29% of the population and will only continue to grow as the baby boomer generation ages. The role of caregiver often creates stress and fatigue for an individual. Whether one is a middle-aged individual caring for a widowed parent, a spouse caring for an aging, chronically ill partner, a parent caring for a special needs child, or one of the 471,000 grandparents over the age of 65 who have primary responsibility for a grandchild, the topic of caregiver stress is important and applicable.

Approximately 66 percent of caretakers are women and the profile of the typical caregiver is a 49 year-old, married, working woman, who is caring for her 69 year-old, widowed mother who does not live with her. One of the major challenges of being a caretaker is that it is compounded on other duties and responsibilities, which can create a sense of feeling burdened or overwhelmed. Furthermore, there is a sense of loss and sadness that one's loved one is no longer independent or may be approaching death.

If individuals do not pay attention to managing this stress, they may be susceptible to caregiver stress syndrome. This describes the physiological and psychological symptoms that result from the chronic and emotional stress of caring for a loved one or attending to all of the needs of a child or dependent adult. Researchers believe that these changes are the result of a prolonged and elevated level of stress hormones circulating through the body similar to individuals suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. This syndrome is often associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and a compromised immune system. Furthermore, a University of Pittsburgh study found that elderly caregivers have a 63 percent higher mortality rate than individuals in the same age group who are not caregivers.

Individuals suffering from caregiver stress syndrome are also prone to depression and social isolation. They often report the following emotions: grief, anxiety, resentment, anger, fear, helplessness and despair and have often felt or said the following thoughts: "I'm like a pot ready to boil over" and "I used to go out and now I am a prisoner in my own home." Underlying their emotional states are the feelings that they do not have control of their own life and that they are unable to find time to take care of their own needs. Oftentimes there is a pattern of co-dependence witnessed in the caregiver's hesitation to leave his/her loved one and the irrational belief that he/she is the only one who can meet the needs of that individual.

In order to address these issues, specific treatment recommendations for caregivers have been developed. For example, the most effective treatment plans involve three components:

Focus on self-care

  • Develop a good stress management plan with exercise and relaxation
  • Continue to maintain outside friendships and activities

 

Communicate effectively

  • Set boundaries by saying "no" to extraneous obligations
  • Establish respite breaks by finding temporary care of loved one

 

Manage emotions

  • Validate and express feelings with friends and through therapy
  • Provide an outlet for emotions (exercise, journaling)

 

Meeting the needs of others who are dependent on our care and attention is very challenging. The most important thing to remember is not to forget oneself in the equation. If we do not prioritize our own needs, then we will not be willing and able to provide care for others. Remember: self care is not selfish, it is essential.

Resources:

  • National Family Caregiver Association (www.nfcacares.org)
  • The Caregivers Survival Handbook: How to Care for Your Aging Parent Without Losing Yourself. (Abramson & Dunkin, 2011).
  • May I walk you Home? Courage and Comfort for Caregivers of the Very Ill. (Hutchison & Rupp, 2009).
  • American Medical Association Guide to Home Caregiving. (AMA, 2001).
  • The Fearless Caregiver: How to Get the Best Care for Your Loved One and Still Have a Life of Your Own. (Barg, 2003).