Family Caregivers are Often Ill-prepared for their Role
Family caregivers are often ill-prepared for their role and require real support in varying forms. Family members who provide care to individuals with chronic and disabling conditions can be at risk. Close to 54 million Americans care for a disabled or sick family member, according to the 2006 survey conducted by Met Life. Emotional, mental, and physical health problems can arise from complex care-giving situations and the strains of caring for frail or disabled relatives.
Medical advances, shorter hospital stays, limited discharge planning, and expansion of home care technology have placed increased costs and care responsibilities on families. These factors affect the quality of life of both the caregiver and care receivers.
The psychological health of the family caregiver is negatively affected by providing this difficult care. Higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health effects are common among family members who care for an older relative or friends.
Research shows that female caregivers (who comprise about two-thirds of all unpaid caregivers) fare worse than their male counterparts. Female caregivers are reported to experience higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower levels of subjective well-being, life satisfaction, and physical health than male caregivers. According to one study, there is a dramatic increase in the risk of mental health consequences among women who provide or more hours per week of care to a spouse.
Add comment March 13th, 2009
