The stress associated with caring for chronically ill family members may result in stress for the caregiver. This caregiver stress has been associated with higher risk of mental, and physical health problems, poorer immunity and higher blood pressure. According to a UK-based study, almost two out of three carers of people with dementia feel lonely. Most of the carers in the study were family members of friends.
Home care providers (e.g. spouses, children of elderly parents and parents) themselves contribute a huge sum in the national economy. In most parts, the economic contribution or quantification of home care providers is not accounted for. However, along with the unseen and unaccounted for economic contribution, the work toll and the loss of opportunity and the physical and mental drainout is also substantial. Sometimes to provide for sick individuals proves to be both a huge physical and mental strain. In the case of professional caregivers, it has been well researched and documented in last few decades that this mental strain is much higher than those providing care for family members. Care provided for family members - especially partners who are intellectually disabled or have non-physical disorders, the degree of mental strain are high to the point of the caregivers themselves at risk of being psychologically damaged due to the high demanding situations both of physical toll complicated with non-professional work environment (lack of institutional care-giving equipment – both in terms of work-safety equipment and care providing equipment), safety concerns and behavioral issue.
The physical, emotional and financial consequences for the family caregiver can be overwhelming. Caregivers responsible for an individual with a psychiatric disorder can be subject to violence. Elderly caregivers appear to be at particular risk. Respite can provide a much needed temporary break from the often exhausting challenges faced by the family caregiver.
Respite is the service most often requested by family caregivers, yet it is in critically short supply, inaccessible, or unaffordable regardless of the age or disability of the individual needing assistance. While the focus has been on making sure families have the option of providing care at home, little attention has been paid to the needs of the family caregivers who make this possible.
Without respite, not only can families suffer economically and emotionally, caregivers themselves may face serious health and social risks as a result of stress associated with continuous care-giving. Three fifths of family caregivers age 19-64 surveyed recently by the Commonwealth Fund reported fair or poor health, one or more chronic conditions, or a disability, compared with only one-third of non-caregivers.
In the United States today there are approximately 61.6 million people (referenced above) who are caring at home for family members including elderly parents, and spouses and children with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. Without this home-care, most of these cared for loved ones would require permanent placement in institutions or health care facilities at great cost to society.
A 2021 Cochrane review found that remotely delivered interventions including support, training and information may reduce the burden for the informal caregiver and improve their depressive symptoms. However, there is no certain evidence that they improve health-related quality of life. The findings are based on moderate certainty evidence from 26 studies.
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