A caregiver is anyone who provides necessary help to a person in need. In the United States, people without any formal healthcare training fulfill 80 percent of caregiving duties.
That adds up to approximately 44 million Americans who offer assistance and support to older adults and their families and communities.
At times, such caregiving has its rewards. Helping a loved one allows people to express appreciation for the care given to them in the past.
Although caregivers may experience such rewards, they often have conflicting feelings, particularly when providing care for a parent. The reversal of roles can lead to anger, guilt, and frustration.
And caregiving is not only stressful — it can also cause fatigue and other physical symptoms.
Several risk factors contribute to caregiver stress. Being a woman or having fewer years of education increases the risk of stress.
People who are challenged financially or socially isolated, as well as those who had no choice but to provide care also face increased risk.
Significant symptoms of depression have been reported in 40 to 70 percent of primary caregivers. And rates of depression are even higher in caregivers who also have significant financial burdens.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety can persist even after loved ones are placed in long-term care facilities.
Several studies have shown that many caregivers who institutionalize their relatives continue to experience depression and anxiety long after a loved one has left their home.
Caregivers who suffer from depression are more likely to have additional health problems, including anxiety, substance abuse, and chronic disease.
Rates of suicidal thoughts are also higher in depressed caregivers.
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