Caregiver stress results from exhaustion, anger, and/or guilt, usually enhanced by unrelieved care for a chronically ill loved one. Over 60 million Americans are providing such care for an average of 40 hours/week. 13 million of them are caring for their own children concurrently. Caregiver stress rises with the additional burdens of memory issues, sleep problems, incontinence and toileting difficulties, wandering, confusion, aggression, etc. Caregivers experience high rates of fatigue, insomnia, stomach disorders, and weakened immune systems. Add to the list: high blood pressure and diabetes, which all cumulatively has a life-shortening effect on the caregiver. Because caregivers are immersed in their roles with day/night hours, they often neglect their own health. As a result 60% of caregivers have decreased life expectancy.
While caregivers have higher rates of physical problems than their non-caregiving peer group, the most common symptom of caregiver stress is depression. Roughly, 70% of caregivers experience depression. In severe cases of Alzheimer's disease, caregivers can begin to experience the symptoms of the patients in their care, most commonly experiencing progressive memory loss themselves. There are many similarities between caregiver's syndrome and PTSD. It is difficult to provide quality care in this state of distress.
Up next: An article on awareness and help.
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