Elderly Caregivers

Despite the rewarding positive aspects of the caregiver role, family members are often poorly prepared for the physical, emotional, and psychological tasks required of them. According to recent studies, caring for elderly relatives puts more unpredictable demands on people than caring for their own children.

Most of the care and support is usually provided by a single person, usually women. Caregivers must also deal with the emotional loss resulting from the person's deteriorating health.

Did You Know ...

• The need for eldercare is not generally recognized in the work force.
• 50% of caregivers work.
• Feelings of loneliness and inadequacy are common complaints among caregivers.
• Caregivers try to balance the "should" of caregiving (the desire to do all) with the "could" of caregiving (what they are able to do).
  Some studies have linked the high burden of stress and responsibility with  negligence and abuse of the elderly.
• Women outnumber men 3 to 1 when it comes to caregiving. Therefore, they may face triple jobs (work, caregiving of the elderly person and her own family.)

Caregiver Burnout - Symptoms and Consequences

• Feelings of stress, depression, guilt, and loneliness
• Exhaustion (mentally, physically, and emotionally)
• May result in neglect of their own children
• Relationship problems
• May ignore their own needs
• Less time for work and leisure
• Loss of privacy
• Relationship problems with the person they are caring for and also with other family members
• Health problems

The Shared Caregiving System:

One of the ways to relieve stress if you are the primary caregiver (the person doing most of the caring) is to get the rest of your siblings involved. The job must be shared by all members of the family in a fair way. Research shows that families who consult, cooperate and share duties according to an agreed-upon plan, get the most satisfaction and enjoyment out of the experience.

Handling Stress Techniques

Learn how stress affects you. Understand the symptoms of stress and deal with them one at a time.

Find support systems that will encourage you to keep going through rough times. Some examples are: other family members, church, support groups or a trusted friend.

• Take time out for yourself and do something YOU enjoy.
• Take a holiday.
• Take the day off and just relax.
• Talk, Talk, Talk about the problem.
• Write down what is bothering you.
• Get away from whatever is stressing.

Additional Links on the Topic

HEALTH CARE INFORMATION RESOURCES: CAREGIVING
Wellness Health Care Information Resources...for patients, their families, friends and health care workers. Offers links to Care Givers networks and Associations and Support Groups