Caregiver Health
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-07-18 14:54:54.786563-04:00
Are you caring for an older adult with a serious health problem or the trials of advanced age? The caring you do is so helpful and important. While you are busy and concerned with taking care of another’s health, it is important to recognize how caregiving may affect your own health – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Physical Effects
Researchers have found that caregivers are less healthy compared to non-caregivers and tend to exhibit more of the following:
- Decreased ability to fight illness
- Slower healing rates
- Higher hospitalization rates
- Higher death rates
- Higher incidence of headaches, gastro-intestinal problems and insomnia
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased rates of poor general health
There is a proven mind-body connection, and oftentimes the high rate of physical problems in caregivers are closely tied to the mental effects of caregiving.
Mental Effects
According to caregiving research, caregivers have significantly higher levels of depression as compared to non-caregivers, which increases the risk of poor physical health. Why? Research has shown that depression and other mental health effects are significant risk factors for common chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The following are examples of psychological effects common to caregivers.
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress/ Burden
- Guilt
- Higher incidence of suicide
Emotional Effects
Caregivers who, in addition to caregiving, are playing various roles – e.g., that of spouse, employee or parent – often exhibit signs related to the stress in their lives. Emotional signs of caregiver stress and exhaustion include:
- Anger at self and the patient
- Social withdrawal from friends and activities
- Irritability leading to moodiness
- Negative thoughts and reactions
- Inability to concentrate
- Problems at work
- Alcohol and other substance use
Available Resources
There is good news! Research has also clearly shown that access to a good social support network can offset some of the physical, mental and emotional effects some caregivers deal with:
- Seek help for depression or stress. Don’t be afraid to recruit family and friends to help, or join a Caregiver Support Group. The first step is the hardest, but you will be glad you did.
- Call your local Area Agency on Aging. Find out about Respite Programs, Caregiver Care Coordination and other caregiver programs. Take advantage – they are there to help you.
- Inform yourself. Seek out educational resources online or at your local community or senior centers.
- Visit your doctor regularly. Prioritize your health; it is just as important to care for yourself as it is for the one that you love.
Caregiver Health Tips
There are other simple steps you can take to help you stay healthy as you care for others:
- Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when you are pushing yourself too hard.
- Pay attention to nutrition. Take your vitamins and make a good diet a part of your life.
- Exercise! Try to squeeze it into your schedule, incorporate it into what you already do. Try walking more and see how your energy increases.
- Take time off. It is often easier said than done, but even just an hour can make a world of difference. Use family or community support to make this happen.
- Try relaxation techniques. You can do them anywhere, and they can often give you that extra energy you need. Do breathing exercises, meditate before bed or try aromatherapy. Do what works for you.
AARP Resources
Caregiving
AARP offers a number of informative articles discussing a variety of issues, including: guardianship, finding help and long-distance caregiving.
My Parents: How Do I Know if They Need Help?
Read about what to look for and options to explore if you are concerned about your parents.
Manage Stress by Managing Your Time
Time-management options for caregivers who are juggling a million things.
Additional Resources
Family Caregiver Alliance
The public voice for caregivers – provides information, education, services, research and advocacy related to caregiver needs.
National Family Caregivers Alliance
Support website with useful links related to caregiver issues – education, support and events.
Elder Care Online
Information, education and support for caregivers of the elderly – online community that will help you provide care for yourself and your loved one.
Books
Find these books online at Barnes & Noble.
Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide
Hugh Delehanty and Elinor Ginzler, Sterling Publishing Company, 2005
Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent
Barry Jacobs, Guilford Publications, 2006
Share the Care: How to Organize a Group to Care for Someone who is Seriously Ill
Cappy Caposella and Sheila Warnock, Simon and Schuster Adult Publishing Group, 2004
And Thou Shalt Honor: The Caregiver’s Companion
Beth W. McLeod, Rodale Press, Inc., 2003
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