Caring for the Caregiver
By David Hart, MS, MFTI
Clinical Consultant to Always Best Care of San Diego CA, The Leader in In-Home Care and FREE Assisted Living Placement
With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease increasing in the United States and around the world, the number of caregivers called upon to provide assistance to their loved one is also quietly multiplying. According to the 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures published by the Alzheimer’s Association, almost 10 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2008 alone, these caregivers provided 8.5 billion hours of care, a contribution to the nation valued at $94 billion. This number represents an average of 16.6 hours of care per caregiver per week equaling 863 hours of care per caregiver per year. Reading this aloud would make the average person stressed-out and tired – nothing close to what a caregiver may feel on a daily basis.
The negative impact of care giving on the caregiver has been well documented. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 40% of family and other unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, rate the emotional stress of care giving as high or very high. Additionally, these caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to report their health is fair or poor. In a study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, researchers encouraged caregivers to express their thoughts about factors that cultivate a poor quality of life and many respondents noted “how stressful their situation was because of their extensive involvement in providing care”. Moreover, a study exploring the effect of giving care on caregivers’ health found depression was the most frequently reported mental health problem of caregivers. In combination, these studies suggest that a caregivers’ quality of life can be seriously impacted as a result of participating in the care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
Interventions that empower family caregivers to take care of themselves are in high demand as the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease increases. A recent study at the University of Washington found evidence supporting the positive impact of community-based caregiver education on the overall psychological well-being of family caregivers. Researchers presented caregivers a series of six classes each held for two hours. Topics included taking care of the caregiver, identifying and reducing personal stress, communicating feelings in challenging situations, and mastering care giving decisions. At the completion of the six weeks, caregivers had a significant increase in healthy behaviors including eating a healthier diet and maintaining an exercise regimen. Additionally, caregivers improved their ability to care for themselves, including an increase in time for stress-management and personal renewal.
Respite and support services are an important component of caring for the caregiver. Caregivers frequently devote themselves totally to those they care for and inadvertently neglect themselves, reducing their quality of life. The support of family and community resources can be a tremendous help. For the past 13 years, Always Best Care has become one of the most trusted providers of senior care needs. With a proven track record in Assisted Living Placement Services, Home Care Services and Skilled Care for Seniors, Always Best Care has continually provided superior expertise and unmatched service though their network of independently owned and operated franchise offices located in ideal locations throughout the United States. We have care plans ranging from 2-hour sitter service to 24-hour live-in. Call us at 619-757-1114 to speak to a care coordinator about a plan that fits your need. Or visit Always Best Care of San Diego to learn more about the In-Home Care services provided.
Credit: Always Best Care Senior Services – San Diego California (CA)