Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or many other chronic illnesses can have high physical, emotional and financial costs. The demands of day-to-day care, changes in family roles and decisions about placement in a care facility can be difficult. But who is a caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who gives help to someone else in need of care. This could be caring for a spouse who suffered a stroke, a mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s disease or a grandfather with cancer. Most caregivers are unpaid family members or friends who give full- or part-time care. It is estimated that 80 percent of caregivers give caregiving support, which usually involves personal care and household chores, seven days per week
Caregiving can be stressful and may contribute to serious illness and depression. Studies show that 16 percent of caregivers report that their health has worsened since becoming a caregiver. About half of caregivers who care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease develop psychological distress. Caregiving can also result in new financial expenses for up to 40 percent of caregivers. Some estimates indicate that 26 percent of caregivers spend up to 10 percent of their monthly income on caregiving activities.
Much of caregiving has to do with participation not just in day-to-day management of daily activities, but also direct involvement in health-related matters. In addition to handling household chores, shopping, transportation and personal care, 37 percent of caregivers are involved in giving medications, injections and medical treatments to the person for whom they are providing care. Of these caregivers, 77 percent report needing to ask for advice about medications and medical treatments, most often from a healthcare provider.
While caregivers may talk to the healthcare provider about their loved one’s health, they often don’t talk about their own. Caregivers are at increased risk of illness and death, but often ignore these health risks. Research indicates that family caregivers face inevitable stresses and burdens. Caregiving may be an occupational hazard and its demands place caregivers at risk for psychological and physical problems. Research has shown that caregivers are at higher risk for depression and heart disease, including heart attacks. Signs of caregiver burnout include:
- Feeling more frustrated, impatient or anxious;
- Exhaustion;
- Increased sadness and discouragement; and
- Deriving less pleasure in regular daily activities.
Fortunately, there are options for caregivers to avoid burnout. Respite care and support groups are available in most areas, often through a local agency on aging. Most research studies have shown that counseling and support interventions can help caregivers by reducing their stress, improving their well-being and enhancing their quality of life. There are multiple interventions available, and it may require many trials to find the best fit.
Caregiving can be a very challenging job. With the right help, however, caregivers can not only survive, but also make caring for their loved ones a more rewarding experience overall.
Dr. Manuel Eskildsen is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly regarded UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood. For more information, visit uclahealth.org or call 310.319.4371.
