Caregivers

“Caring for a loved one
strains even the most resilient people. If you’re a caregiver,
take steps to preserve your own health and well-being”.1

Umbrella

What may the Caregivers Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Caregiver
  • Caregiving
  • Carers

Caregiver

Who is a caregiver?

DotS the definition of a caregiver may vary. The Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“A caregiver is anyone who provides care for another person in need, such as a child, an aging parent, a husband or wife, a relative, friend, or neighbor. A caregiver also may be a paid professional who provides care in the home or at a place that is not the person’s home”.2

The (United Kingdom) Carer’s Week definition is:

“A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support”.3

Informal Caregiver

Who is an informal caregiver?Caregivers

DotS the definition of an informal caregiver may vary. The Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“People who are not paid to give care are called informal caregivers or family caregivers”.4

Common or Not

Are there many caregivers?

In the United States according to the Womenshealth.gov:

“Most Americans will be informal caregivers at some point during their lives. A 2012 survey found that 36% of Americans provided unpaid care to another adult with an illness or disability in the past year. That percentage is expected to go up as the proportion of people in the United States who are elderly increases. Also, changes in health care mean family caregivers now provide more home-based medical care. Nearly half of family caregivers in the survey said they give injections or manage medicines daily.

Also, most caregivers are women. And nearly three in five family caregivers have paid jobs in addition to their caregiving”.5

Caregiver Stress

What is caregiver’s stress?

In Caregiver Stress: What Is Caregiver Stress? the Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“Caregiver stress is due to the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. Caregivers report much higher levels of stress than people who are not caregivers. Many caregivers are providing help or are “on call” almost all day. Sometimes, this means there is little time for work or other family members or friends. Some caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the amount of care their aging, sick or disabled family member needs”.6

The Mayo Clinic also acknowledge:

“Caring for a loved one strains even the most resilient people. If you’re a caregiver, take steps to preserve your own health and well-being”.7

COVID-19 Stress

Can COVID-19 add more stress to caregiving?

In Women, Caregiving and COVID-19 the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note:

“Women who are caregivers have a greater risk for poor physical and mental health, including depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic can add even more stressors to caregiving”.8

Caregiver Stress Signs

What are caregiver’s stress signs?

In Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself – Signs of Caregiver Stress the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“As a caregiver, you may be so focused on your loved one that you don’t see how caregiving affects your own health and well-being. The signs of caregiver stress include:

  • Feeling burdened or worried all the time
  • Feeling tired often
  • Sleeping too much or not enough
  • Gaining or losing weight
  • Becoming easily irked or angry
  • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Feeling sad
  • Having frequent headaches, or other pains or health problems
  • Misuing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines
  • Missing your own medical appointments”.9

Caregiver Stress Management

What are stress management tips for caregivers?

In Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself – Strategies for Dealing With Caregiver Stress the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“To help manage caregiver stress:

  • Ask for and accept help…
  • Focus on what you can do…
  • Set goals you can reach…
  • Get connected…
  • Join a support group…
  • Seek social support…
  • Take care of your health…
  • See your health care professional…”.10

Unpaid Leave

Is it possible to take unpaid leave to be a caregiver?

DotC (Depending on the Country) taking a break from work may be possible. The Mayo Clinic note:

“Caregivers who work outside the home can feel burdened. If this describes you, think about taking a leave from your job for a time if you can afford to do so.

Employees covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year to care for relatives. Ask your human resources office about choices for unpaid leave”.11

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to find out about help and support for caregivers?

If you would like to find out about help and support for caregivers, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk about this to the health care provider of the person you are caring for or your health care provider.

Your country’s equivalent of a local community health center, national and/or state Departments/Center/Institute of Aging/Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia/Health/Human Services/Seniors may also provide information about health services, financial assistance, respite care, support groups and other services.

For example, in the United States the Mayo Clinic explain:

“To start, check out the national Eldercare Locator or contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about services in your area. Or try your state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center. You can find these resources online or in a telephone directory.

There also are mobile apps and web-based services that give support to caregivers. These services can help build coping skills and teach about caregiving”.12

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Caregivers?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Caregivers?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 10 Tips for Family Caregivers
    Caregivers
  2. 8 Tips for Long-Distant Caregiving
  3. Aging Parents: 8 Warning Signs of Health Problems
  4. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Video Resource Center
  5. Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging: For Caregivers, Family and Friends
  6. Anxiety
  7. Busy Parents and Caregivers Must Care for Themselves
  8. #CaregiversConnect 2023 NFC Month Campaign
  9. COVID-19 Resources for Families: Caregiving Specific Information
  10. Cancer Caregivers: Caring for Yourself
  11. Caregiver Agencies Near Me and Organizations[United States]
  12. Caregiver Health
  13. Caregiver Stress
  14. Caregiver Video Resource Center
  15. Caregiver.org [Family Caregiver Alliance, United States]
  16. Caregiveraction.org [Caregiver Action Network, National Family Caregivers Association, United States]
  17. Caregivers
  18. Caregivers Guide To Understanding Dementia Behaviours
  19. Caregivers – Multiply Languages
  20. Caregivers: Basics – Aging Parents
  21. Caregivers: In-Depth [Topics]
  22. Caregivers: In-Depth – Alzheimer’s: How To Help A Caregiver
  23. Caregiving
  24. Caregiving [Alzheimer’s and Dementia]
  25. Caregiving.com [CareGiving.com]
  26. Caregiving.org [National Alliance for Caregiving, United States]
  27. Caregiving.org [National Alliance for Caregiving, United States]: General Caregiving [Resources]
  28. Carergateway.com.au [Carer Gateway, Australian Government]
  29. Carergiveraction.org [Caregiver Action Network, United States]
  30. Carersaustralia.com.au [Carers Australia]
  31. Carersuk.org [Carersuk, United Kingdom]
  32. Carer’s Week 10-16 June 2024, United Kingdom: Putting Carers on the Map]
  33. Carer’s Breaks and Respite Care
  34. Caring for Others: Resources To Help You
  35. Comforting and Supporting Caregivers
  36. Couragetocargivers.org
  37. Dementia Guide: Looking After Someone With Dementia
  38. Dementia-Related Pain: What Caregivers Need To Know
  39. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
  40. Eldercare.gov: Eldercare Locator [United States]
  41. FCA Care Journey: Personal Caregiver Support [Family Caregiver Alliance, United States]
  42. Fact & Tip Sheets
  43. Family Caregiver Toolbox
  44. Family Caregivers [Stroke]
  45. Family Caregiving
  46. Finding Balance: Tips for Managing Caregiving and Self-Care
  47. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]: Caregiving
  48. Get Support If You Are A Caregiver
  49. I Don’t Live By My Family But I’m A Caregiver
  50. I Have A Job And I’m the Caregiver for My Loved One
  51. I Just Realized I’m A Family Caregiver Now
  52. Instructional Care Giver Videos
  53. Internationalcarers.org [International Alliance of Carer Organizations]
  54. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Myths] [Other Languages and Formats]
  55. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!] [Other Languages and Formats]
  56. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP] [Other Languages and Formats]
  57. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  58. Long Distance Caregiving: Getting Started With Long-Distance Caregiving
  59. Looking After Someone With Dementia
  60. Make Yourself A Priority, Too: Tips for Caregivers
  61. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Living Wills and the Holidays
  63. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Cancer Caregivers Need Care Themselves [+ Video]
  64. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Well-Being and Hope for Dementia Patients, Caregivers [+ Video]
  65. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Caregivers
  66. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  67. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
  68. Menopause and Mental Health
  69. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  70. Mood and the Menopause
  71. Mourning the Death of A Spouse
  72. National Carers Week [15-21 October 2023, Australia]
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Stress
  74. National Family Caregivers Month [November, United States]
  75. n4a.org [United States National Association of Area Agencies on Aging]
  76. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  77. Resources By Health Issue or Condition
  78. Resources for Caregivers
  79. Social Care and Support [United Kingdom]
  80. Staying Healthy While You Provide Care for Someone With Cancer
  81. Stress Management: Basics – Stress Basics
  82. Stress Management: In Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself
  83. Support A Loved One At the Doctor: Quick Tips
  84. Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients
  85. Supporting Caregivers
  86. Take Care of Yourself As A Caregiver
  87. Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
  88. Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers
  89. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  90. The Risks and Rewards of Caregiving for Loved Ones With Dementia
  91. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [Video]
  92. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  93. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  94. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Metabolic Syndrome in Midlife Women
  95. Webinars: Previous – Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  96. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  97. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself. 09 August 2023.  Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/art-20044784 Accessed: 20 June 2024
  2. Caregiver Stress: What Is A Caregiver? Page Last Updated: 14 August 2023. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/caregiver-stress.html Accessed: 20 June 2024
  3. Carers Week: Who Is A Carer? Carers Week https://www.carersweek.org/ Accessed: 20 June 2024
  4. Caregiver Stress: What Is A Caregiver? Page Last Updated: 14 August 2023. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/caregiver-stress.html Accessed: 20 June 2024
  5. Caregiver Stress: Who Are Caregivers? Page Last Updated: 14 August 2023. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/caregiver-stress.html Accessed: 20 June 2024
  6. Caregiver Stress: What Is Caregiver Stress? Page Last Updated: 14 August 2023. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/caregiver-stress.html Accessed: 20 June 2024
  7. Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself. 09 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/art-20044784 Accessed: 20 June 2024
  8. Women, Caregiving, and COVID-19. Page Last Reviewed: 21 June 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/women/caregivers-covid-19/index.html Accessed: 20 June 2024
  9. Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself – Signs of Caregiver Stress. 09 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/art-20044784 Accessed: 20 June 2024
  10. Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself – Strategies for Dealing With Caregiver Stress. 09 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/art-20044784 Accessed: 20 June 2024
  11. Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself – The Caregiver Who Works Outside the Home. 09 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/art-20044784 Accessed: 20 June 2024
  12. Stress Management: In-Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself – You Aren’t Alone. 09 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784 Accessed: 20 June 2024
Topic Last Updated: 20 June 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 20 June 2024

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by