Caregivers Shoulder a Big Burden

Submitted by Hospice of Marion County

The Family Caregiving Alliance, defines a caregiver as follows: A caregiver – sometimes called an informal caregiver – is an unpaid individual (for example, a spouse, partner, family member, friend or neighbor) involved in assisting others with activities of daily living and/or medical tasks. Formal caregivers are paid care providers providing care in one’s home or in a care setting (day care, residential facility, or long-term care facility).

Many caregivers are working full-time or part-time while assisting with the care of an elderly or disabled family member, relative or friend. Sometimes the commitment of caregiving means cutting back their office hours, changing jobs or even quitting their jobs in order to provide full-time care of a loved one. Caregivers shoulder a big burden, especially if they don’t have assistance from others to help relieve them.

Challenges Facing Caregivers:
• Fatigue and patience
• Social isolation and stress
• Communication skills to cope
• Financial difficulties
• Taking care of their own needs
• No one to help and learning how to ask for help

Most caregivers receive little or no support from their own families or other organizations and are basically on their own, creating much stress and anxiety, from emotional to financial stress. It is estimated by the Alzheimer’s Association there are over 11 million caregivers that provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These caregivers provide an estimated 15.3 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $257 billion, and about a third of these caregivers report that their own health has gotten worse due to care responsibilities compared to caregivers of older people without dementia.

Health of Caregivers Impacted
There’s been a growing trend over the last few decades of closing mental health facilities, early discharge of hospital patients, and implementation of managed care practices which causes a shift and burden to families and caregivers. This often results in financial loss, strain among families, and caregiver health issues that manifest due to increased stress. A recent Stanford study concluded that nearly 40 percent of caregivers will die from stress-related disorders before their loved one dies.

Studies consistently show the following impacts on a caregiver’s health:
• Higher levels of depression and depressive symptoms than in non-caregivers
• Depressed caregivers are more likely to have coexisting anxiety disorders, substance abuse or dependence, and chronic disease
• Caregivers who experience chronic stress may be at a greater risk for cognitive decline
• Caregivers report having a higher incidence of stress, weight gain, headaches, and back strain among other physical ailments and pain associated with caregiving

Women tend to be, more often than not, the primary caregivers. However, being a caregiver whether male or female affects your quality of life and increases the challenge of balancing your personal schedule with that of the intense, demanding focus needed to be a caregiver.

Resources and Tips Available
Caregivers tend to put others first and themselves last. However, it’s vitally important for all caregivers to make sure they are taking care of themselves mentally, physically and socially. Below are some resources and tips to consider:
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members or close friends who could run errands
• Practice meditation and exercise to help relieve stress—set aside early morning or evening for yourself
• Do something socially just for you–see a movie, have lunch with friends
• Check into your office policies to see if you have family leave benefits
• Call Hospice of Marion County’s Transitions program–This is a community supported volunteer-based resource program: (352) 854-5200 or visit www.transitionsfl.com to learn more about this program’s caregiver support groups, respite for the caregiver, assistance for caregivers in homes and assisted living facilities.