The Effects on Aging Caregivers

Blog Category: Health

As people are living longer, caregivers can expect to spend many years caring for a parent or spouse while aging and facing their own health challenges. The chronic stress of caregiving, in turn, exacerbates these health challenges.

What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome?

Caregiver Stress Syndrome is the mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion caused by consistently caring for another person. It is common to neglect one’s own needs because the focus is on caring for someone else.

The demands of caring for someone can result in burnout and illness when the caregiver is unable to balance the needs of their loved one with their own. Caregivers often place unrealistic expectations on themselves and continue to perform duties beyond one’s capabilities, leading to frustration and stress, which can affect their health.

70% of caregivers suffer from anxiety and depression, which can cause anger and irritability. Chronic stress can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and a compromised immune system.

Facts About Caregiver Stress Syndrome

Caregiver Stress Syndrome can have a significant effect on health, especially when caring for an individual with cognitive decline:

  • Those caring for individuals with dementia are 40% more likely to suffer from depression and emotional stress
  • 45% reported chronic conditions
  • 23% experience higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone
  • 58% report that their eating habits are worse
  • 63% experience a higher mortality rate than non-caregivers 

In addition, caregiver stress syndrome can result in:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Hopelessness
  • Irritability
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Getting sick more often

How to Deal with Caregiver Stress Syndrome

Caregivers should prioritize their own health to avoid developing Caregiver Stress Syndrome. Now is the time to contact local agencies, friends, family, and support groups to help. Lighten your load by outsourcing what you can, like meal delivery, transportation, and daycare services.

Once you find assistance, take time for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Schedule appointments with your medical professionals and work with your care recipient’s team to find the best treatment options for long-term support. Make their medical professionals aware of your needs as a primary caregiver so they can work to help find solutions to alleviate your stress.

Caregiver Stress Syndrome does not have to rule your life. While it can negatively impact your well-being, there are many ways to recover and become a healthier, happier caregiver.

Wondering if your parent or spouse might be ready for assisted living but don’t know what the next step is? Check out our free eBook, Assisted Living and Older Adults!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring seniors age by their design and caretakers feel relieved. Contact us today to learn more about LEC and the programs we offer, and feel free to learn on your own with resources we’ve created for those interested in our services.