×

Multiple life roles may be source of caregiver stress

By Tierany Rugg

Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator

Florence County

UW-Extension

FLORENCE, Wis. — It’s no secret that many informal caregivers — individuals who provide unpaid support to family members or friends with illness or disabilities — often feel stressed.

Caregivers’ roles can include providing emotional support and helping with cleaning or moving around the house. Medical and health-related tasks, such as coordinating doctors’ appointments, dealing with insurance, and even procedures that would once have taken place in a hospital, may also be part of caregiving. Sometimes care may extend to financial support.

Other life obligations don’t stop when caregiving begins. Many caregivers also have jobs, children and households to run. All of that can add up to an overwhelming situation. If caregivers don’t take care of themselves, they can burn out or develop their own health problems.

Caregiving alone may not be the issue

At first glance, it might seem like caregiving is the problem. Research suggests, however, that it isn’t caregiving itself that contributes to poor quality of life and other health problems in caregivers; rather, it is the stress that can result from the multiple roles caregivers play.

The distinction is important because informal caregiving can actually have benefits for the caregiver. Feeling good about themselves and having a sense of purpose are two of the benefits caregivers report.

That sense of purpose and responsibility can contribute to better health and quality of life. Caregiving itself is not a bad thing, and can actually contribute to positive emotional health for caregivers.

Attitude is important

Even if caregivers have a lot on their plate, it doesn’t automatically mean they will feel stressed or overwhelmed. An important piece of the puzzle is how caregivers perceive or appraise the situation. When they have the resources to deal with the challenges presented by caregiving, it may not feel stressful.

For caregivers who report low levels of stress, some research shows that they may actually have better outcomes than people who aren’t informal caregivers, ranging from better quality of life to lower mortality risk. The caregivers with high levels of stress are at risk for burnout, depression, extreme fatigue and other health problems.

Caregiving stress alone is not to blame for burnout and poor quality of life in caregivers. Stress from other areas of life, like paid employment, interpersonal relationships, or financial difficulties, can all accumulate and contribute to quality of life and mental health problems.

How people feel about their stress — if they see it as harmful, or as beneficial — can affect how it impacts them.

Resources available

There are many resources — respite care, educational classes, support groups, even financial assistance — for family caregivers.

In Florence, family caregivers can get more information about resources they are eligible for by contacting the ADRC, which now offers “Powerful Tools for Caregivers.” Online resources like the Family Care Navigator, or in-person connections with hospital social workers or faith leaders can also point caregivers in the right direction.

Feeling more in control of any area of life may also help; for example, financial coaching to get a handle on balancing retirement saving and medical debt, or organizing help to keep up with chores and housework.

Giving caregivers permission and encouragement to take care of themselves can also help. Only by caring for ourselves can any of us successfully care for others.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today