What is Caregiver Syndrome?

I’ve been sharing some information about the “gray wave” of aging Baby Boomers affecting the world’s healthcare and societies in the coming years. I shared some statistics on aging from the Kaiser Family Foundation that showed around three-quarters of respondents believed it is the duty of children to care for their parents as they age. Yet, more than half of those over the age of 65 live at home with their spouses and only about 16% live with a child.

Most caregivers provide support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, walking, standing, using the toilet, dressing, cooking, eating and other household chores. The caregiver also provide care for a broad range of issues – chronic, disabling or terminal illness, physical or mental illness and decline – and often as the caregiver and the person being cared for age the care required intensifies. From more simple daily tasks, caregivers may also need to assist with more complicated and complex medical care such as giving injections, or facilitating tube feedings, and care for catheters or colostomies. All of this caregiving taxes the caregiver’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. We’re going to talk about “Caregiver Syndrome” today and explain how it impacts those around us with some eye-opening statistics and insights from experts.

The Heartfelt Statistics

To truly grasp the scale of the issue, let’s look at some jaw-dropping statistics:

1. According to information from the National Alliance for Caregiving, AARP and the CDC, there are approximately 53 million caregivers in the United States alone, and 22.3% of all adults provided some sort of care or assistance in the last 30 days. More than half of all adults (53.8 %) have given some sort of care or assistance in the last two years, and a third provide 20 hours or more of caregiving per week.
2. A survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that caregivers report higher stress levels than the average population, with 31% reporting extreme levels of stress. A CDC report stated that 14.5% of caregivers reported having 14 or more “mentally unhealthy” days in a single month, and even more 17.6%, had 14 or more “physically unhealthy” days in a month.
3. Studies suggest that between 40% to 70% of caregivers experience symptoms of depression.

Behind the Scenes of Caregiving

Being a caregiver can be an emotional rollercoaster. Imagine trying to maintain your own life while being there for someone else 24/7. It’s like juggling flaming swords while walking on a tightrope, and these numbers indicate just how that caregiving emotionally-charged journey can often take a toll on the caregiver’s well-being.

One way Caregiver Syndrome manifests is depression. Depression can result in caregivers becoming more withdrawn from family and friends, which means they reach out for assistance and support less often. Caregiver depression can also result in a caregiver losing interest and joy for hobbies or self-care activities they need to sustain their wellbeing during stressful times. They often exhibit signs of hopelessness, helplessness and sadness.

Another challenge facing caregivers and contributing to Caregiver Syndrome is finding time to care for themselves physically. Caregiving is physically exhausting and taxing, and caregivers may not have the energy to eat enough healthy food or to maintain any physical exercise. Often caregivers will not make or keep their own physician’s and healthcare appointments. They loose appetite, weight and sleep all contributing to emotional and physical exhaustion.

All of the pressures to be a good caregiver and the exhaustion that pressure leads to cause caregivers to suffer mentally as well. Their personalities may change as they become more irritable, withdrawn and angry. Stress causes our brains to function less efficiently so our thoughts are jumbled and fuzzy and our memory suffers. Caregivers suffer from role confusion and lose their sense of self-identity, often consumed by guilt and constantly questioning their actions due to unrealistic expectations they create for themselves.

Caregiving is a huge undertaking and a difficult, often thankless, job. But, it’s not all dark clouds and thunderstorms. Caregivers also report they find deep satisfaction in knowing they are making a difference in someone’s life. The emotional connection and bond they build with their loved ones are priceless.

What the Experts Say to Do

Dr. Sarah Williams, a renowned psychologist and expert in caregiver well-being shared some valuable insights into Caregiver Syndrome: “Caregiver Syndrome is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. Caregivers are at risk of emotional exhaustion, sleep problems, and physical health decline. It’s vital for them to recognize their limitations and seek support.”

Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Support

So, what can we do to help caregivers overcome these challenges? First and foremost, we need to break the stigma around seeking support. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it shows strength in recognizing your own needs.

Family, friends, and communities can play a crucial role in supporting caregivers. Offering a helping hand, providing respite care, or simply being there to listen can make a world of difference. Understanding that a caregiver may need to change the quality and quantity of care, input, help, and time available to others should help reduce the unrealistic and unreasonable demands by other family or friends.

Additionally, there are support groups, counseling services, and online communities tailored to caregivers’ needs. These platforms allow caregivers to connect, share experiences, and find solace in knowing they’re not alone on this journey.

Seek out professional input for resources, suggestions for treatment and medication options, home equipment, home care, and adaptations. Investigate and research short-term care options such as adult day care, respite care, companionship and respite services such as those I provide as an Elder Care Doula Companion.

Self-Care: Not an Option, but a Necessity

Caregivers, listen up – self-care is not a luxury; it’s an essential part of your journey. Remember the oxygen mask analogy on airplanes? You have to put on your mask first before helping others. So, treat yourself with the same care and compassion you show to your loved ones. Take breaks when you need them, engage in activities that bring you joy, and don’t hesitate to ask for help and outsource tasks, like yard care, housework or cooking, when things get overwhelming.

Conclusion

Being a caregiver is a noble, awe-inspiring act of love and dedication, but it’s not without its challenges. Caregiver Syndrome is a real struggle faced by many unsung heroes around the world. By raising awareness about this issue, breaking the stigma, and promoting self-care, we can support and empower caregivers on their incredible journey. So, let’s rally together, recognize their efforts, and make sure that caregivers receive the care and support they truly deserve! If you or a loved one need some advice or help, please reach out to me and let’s put our heads together to see how Shoji Bridge Departure Doula can help.