By Sandy DelVillano-Marchi, LMSW
More than 50 million people in the United States are providing care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one, according to the National Family Caregivers Association. Only recently have we begun to pay attention to the effects that caregiving can have on the caregiver.
Caregiving poses many challenges for the caregiver. The mental, physical and emotional responsibilities can often make the caregiver vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. If the feelings surrounding the sometimes overwhelming responsibilities are not addressed the may begin to show signs of excessive stress and tension.
Caregiving and Stress
Caregiving can be a wonderful gift for someone. It can also be rather daunting. Caregiving can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion and it may affect anyone who provides a great deal of caregiving. A caregiver may feel a constant tension and preoccupation with the suffering of the person being cared for. If this tension is ignored it can lead to further anxiety and even depression.
If you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to care for others.
Common Signs that a Caregiver Needs Help
- Abusing drugs and alcohol
- Increased anger
- Anxiety attacks
- Blaming spouse/significant other and family for your problems
- Chronic lateness
- Overwhelming sadness
- Diminished sense of self
- Mental, emotional or physical exhaustion
Tips to Prevent Caregiver Stress
- Get your own needs met. Make your own well-being a priority.
- When others offer to help, tell them specifically what they can do, for example: going to the grocery store, doing the laundry, etc.
- Educate yourself about your loved one’s health condition and the resources available.
- Talk about your concerns with trusted friends or a therapist
- Give yourself time and permission to grieve.
How Social Workers Can Help
There are many social workers with knowledge and experience in helping individuals experiencing caregiver stress. Social workers can offer emotional support. They can help caregivers become involved in community agencies that offer respite care, meal programs, and transportation services.
Some social workers specialize in services for senior citizens, running support groups for family caregivers or for the adult children of aging parents, advising older people or family members about choices in areas such as housing transportation, and long-term care, and coordinating and monitoring these services.