Caregiving Impacts Your Health

Submitted by Hospice of Marion County

According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, the Alzheimer’s Association reported that more than 11 million

Americans provided unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These caregivers provided an estimated 18 billion hours valued at $340 billion. Additionally, 59% of these caregivers report that their own health has suffered due to care responsibilities with high or very high levels of emotional stress.

Health of Caregivers Impacted
Most caregivers receive little or no support from their own families or other organizations and are basically on their own. 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.

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
• Chronic stress in caregivers sometimes is associated with an increase in hypertension, inflammation and decreased immune function
• 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. It’s not uncommon to see the impact of ongoing stress from caregiving sometimes results in anger and resentment. It’s vitally important for caregivers to make sure they are taking care of themselves mentally, physically and socially. How can a caregiver take care of a loved one, if they are not being mindful of their own needs and health? Below are some resources and tips:

• 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 for support from these programs:
Transitions Program at (352) 854-5200 – This is a community supported volunteer-based resource with caregiver support groups, respite for the caregiver, providing assistance whether in homes or assisted living facilities.

Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program at (352) 291-5138 – This program provides education for those caring for someone with dementia. It is provided at no charge and provides a three-hour workshop with tips and helpful caregiving resources, along with a Virtual Dementia Tour® that lets the caregiver experience dementia through the eyes of their loved one.

Hospice of Marion County