Have you ever suspected that the family caregiver for your invalid parent or a dementia-ridden relative may be suffering mental health problems themselves? Experts at the Mayo Clinic estimate approximately “1 in 3 adults in the United States is an informal or family caregiver” whose value figures to over a trillion dollars annually. Perhaps because of the hidden nature of this unpaid compensation, its beneficiiaries fail to recognize, much less appreciate, the debilitating health care issues these unpaid workers experience.
Impact of Caregiving on Caregivers’ Health
The psychological toll on unpaid health care providers is enormous. The Family Care Alliance claims that “Higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health effects are common among family members who care for an older relative or friend.” Moreover, some stress indicators are obvious; others are subtle. Manifestations of these health effects include:
- Higher levels of depression
- Emotional stress
- Frustration over lack of progress
- Loss of self-identity and esteem
- Loss of control over their lives
- Feelings of exhaustion
- Cognitive decline
Sources of Stress for the Family Caregiver
Stressors beyond the lack of financial compensation can impact the health and performance of family caregivers. Canada’s in-home care provider The Key cites five factors that influence caregivers ‘ mental health:
- Conflicting opinions regarding care–squabbles among siblings may necessitate consulting a health care professional
- New routines–adjusting to the patient’s changing needs can promote caregiver stress
- Juggling multiple roles–children, employees, and social groups also place demands on a caregiver’s time and emotional capacities
- Health concerns–maintaining one’s health while giving care can add stress to one’s overall well-being
- Lacking time to recharge–providing even a short respite from patient demands is essential to provide quality care and prevent provider burnout.
Stressed Caregiving Can Lead to Harmful Behavior
Without the safeguards mentioned above, the actions of the family caregiver can lapse into more dangerous behaviors to themselves and to their patients. Studies show caregivers are more prone to increased alcohol and substance abuse including psychotropic drugs. These studies also show that family caregivers tend to show more hostility than non-caregivers. Furthermore, family caregivers “who are at risk of clinical depression and are caring for a spouse with significant cognitive impairment and/or physical care needs are more likely to engage in harmful behavior toward their loved one.”
Family Caregiver Options
Nobody wants to entrust the well-being of a loved one to a potential Annie Wilkes. To avoid such a possibility, let’s celebrate , National Family Caregiveres Month this November in the same spirit we celebrated Black History Month this year. The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) offers the following advice to caregivers (if you are one) and their families (if you’re supporting one):
First of all, caregivers and family members must be specific about their help offers by stating explicity what task(s) they are willing to do. Identifying specific areas of responsibility lessens misunderstandings and conflict in the future.
Second, family members need to help the caregiver in performing the housekeeping chores necessary in the daily care of the patient.
Third, family members and friends must continue to invite them to family outings and special events. Even if the caregiver’s duties don’t allow them to participate, such invitations alleviate the caregiver’s sense of isolation and neglect.
And finally, family members should check in with the caregiver frequently. Many caregivers feel isolated and alone in discharging their duties.
In sum, money is not the sole compensation caregivers need for discharging family obligations. Love and loyalty deserve their own special recogntion. Thoughtful treatment and understanding among all involved parties can ameliorate the financial under-compensation, repressed resentment, and stress all family caregivers experience.