Care Giver Burden
Caregiving can last for a short period of postacute care, especially after a hospitalization, to more than 40 years of ongoing care for a person with chronic care needs.
On average, informal caregivers devote 4.3 years to this work.8 Four out of 10 caregivers spend 5 or more years providing support, and 2 out of 10 have spent a decade or more of their lives caring for their family member.
This is a day-in, day-out responsibility.
More than half of family caregivers provide 8 hours of care or more every week, and one in five provides more than 40 hours per week
Donelan K, Hill CA, Hoffman C, et al. Challenged to care: Informal caregivers in a changing health system. Health Aff. 2002;21:222–31..
National Alliance for Caregiving, AARP. Caregiving in the U.S. Bethesda, MD: National Alliance for Caregiving, AARP; Apr, 2004.
Reinhard SC. The work of caregiving: What do ADLs and IADLs tell us? In: Levine C, editor. Family caregivers on the job: Moving beyond ADLs and IADLs. New York: United Hospital Fund; 2004.
Caregiver Burden
As the population is ageing and the demands of the elderly with multiple comorbidities and cognitive impairments is also increasing. The natural support systems that existed in the yesteryears is no longer available for all. The requirements are more complex and varied.
The burden on the few care givers who take on that role either voluntarily or involuntarily is huge.
People in different countries face different issues when providing and seeking care. The capacity to provide care also varies based on socioeconomic status and the educational background of the natural care givers. 40% of care givers spend 5 years or more providing support, 20% spend a decade or more providing support. This burden can significantly impact the caregiver's quality of life, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues.
Some common factors contributing to caregiver burden include:
- Emotional strain : The stress of managing the care recipient's needs and the emotional toll of seeing a loved one suffer.
- Physical exhaustion : The demands of providing constant care can lead to fatigue and other health problems.
- Financial pressure : The costs associated with caregiving, such as medical expenses and potential loss of income, can be overwhelming.
- Social isolation : Caregivers often have less time for social activities and may feel isolated from friends and family.
It's important for caregivers to seek support, whether through counselling, support groups, or respite care, to help manage this burden and maintain their own well-being.
Do you have any specific concerns or questions about caregiver burden? If so please join our care giver support group happening online on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.