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

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”.8

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…”.9

In Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: Preventing and Managing Caregiver Stress the (United States National Institutes of Health) NIH MedlinePlus Magazine explain:

“To help manage caregiver stress:

  1. Let others lend a hand…
  2. Take time to recharge…
  3. Prioritize your own health…
  4. Be gentle with yourself…
  5. Recognize when its time for a break…
  6. Connect with other caregivers…”.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. 2024 National Family Caregivers Month: Recognizing and Supporting Caregivers
    Caregivers
  3. Advance Care Plan: A Checklist for the Future
  4. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Video Resource Center
  5. Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging: Caregivers of A Person With Alzheimer’s Disease or A Related dementia
  6. Anxiety
  7. Association of Informal Caregiving and Menopause Symptoms In Midlife Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
  8. Cancer Survivors: Staying Healthy While You Provide Care for Someone With Cancer
  9. Caring for Someone With Breast Cancer
  10. Caregiver Health
  11. Caregiver Support: Caregiver  Support Tools and Resources [American Heart Association]
  12. Caregiver Support Organizations & Agencies [United States]
  13. Caregiver Stress
  14. Caregiveraction.org [Caregiver Action Network, National Family Caregivers Association, United States]
  15. Caregivers Guide To Understanding Dementia Behaviours
  16. Caregivers – Multiply Languages
  17. Caregivers: Basics – Aging Parents
  18. Caregiving
  19. Caregiving
  20. Caregiving 101: Worksheets, resources, and suggestions from the National Institute on Aging
  21. Caregiving Toolkit: Information and Resources To Support Caregivers
  22. Caregiving [Alzheimer’s and Dementia]
  23. Caregiving: Caregivers of A Person With Alzheimer’s Disease or A Related Dementia
  24. Caregiving: Fast Facts: Memory Loss Among Caregivers
  25. Caregiving: Healthy Habits: Caring for Yourself When Caring for Another
  26. Caregiving: Helping Alzheimer’s Caregivers
  27. Caregiving: Steps for Creating and Maintaining A Care Plan
  28. Caregiving.org [National Alliance for Caregiving, United States]
  29. Caregiving.org [National Alliance for Caregiving, United States]: General Caregiving [Resources]
  30. Carergateway.com.au [Carer Gateway, Australian Government]
  31. Carergiveraction.org [Caregiver Action Network, United States]
  32. Carersaustralia.com.au [Carers Australia]
  33. Carersuk.org [Carersuk, United Kingdom]
  34. Carer’s Week 10-16 June 2024, United Kingdom: Putting Carers on the Map]
  35. Carer’s Breaks and Respite Care
  36. Caring for Another
  37. Caring for Others: Resources To Help You
  38. Caring for Yourself
  39. Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
  40. Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month: BIPOC Caregiver Resources and Support [Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color]
  41. Comforting and Supporting Caregivers
  42. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  43. Couragetocargivers.org [Courage To Caregivers, United States]
  44. Dementia-Related Pain: What Caregivers Need To Know
  45. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know
  46. Eldercare.gov: Eldercare Locator [United States]
  47. End-of-Life Care: What To Expect and How To Plan
  48. Family Caregiver Alliance [United States]
  49. Family Caregivers [Stroke]
  50. Finding Balance: Tips for Managing Caregiving and Self-Care
  51. First Symptoms of Menopause
  52. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]: Caregiving
  53. Frequently Asked Questions About Caregiving
  54. Get Support If You’re A Caregiver
  55. Helping From Miles Away: Strategies for Long Distance Caregiving
  56. Home Sweet Home: Supporting A Loved One Aging In Place
  57. How To Be A Caregiver for Someone With Diabetes
  58. How To Manage and Reduce Stress
  59. I Don’t Live By My Family But I’m A Caregiver
  60. I Have A Job And I’m the Caregiver for My Loved One
  61. I Just Realized I’m A Family Caregiver Now
  62. Instructional Care Giver Videos
  63. Internationalcarers.org [International Alliance of Carer Organizations]
  64. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Myths] [Other Languages and Formats]
  65. 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]
  66. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  67. Long-Distance Caregiving: Resources for Effective Remote Care
  68. Long-Distance Care Giving: What Is Long-Distant Caregiving?
  69. Looking After Someone With Dementia
  70. Make Yourself A Priority, Too: Tips for Caregivers
  71. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Cancer Caregivers Need Care Themselves [+ Video]
  72. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Well-Being and Hope for Dementia Patients, Caregivers [+ Video]
  73. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Caregivers
  74. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  75. Menopause and Mental Health
  76. Mourning the Death of A Spouse
  77. National Carers Week [15-21 October 2023, Australia]
  78. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Stress
  79. National Family Caregivers Month [November, United States]
    Caregivers
  80. n4a.org [United States National Association of Area Agencies on Aging]
  81. Resources By Health Issue or Condition
  82. Resources for Caregivers
  83. Risk Less Do More
    Caregivers
  84. Social Care and Support [United Kingdom]
  85. Stay Strong While Caregiving
  86. Staying Healthy While You Provide Care for Someone With Cancer
  87. Stress Management: Basics – Stress Basics
  88. Stress Management: In Depth – Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself
  89. Support A Loved One At the Doctor: Quick Tips
  90. Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients
  91. Take Care of Yourself As A Caregiver
  92. Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
  93. Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers
  94. The Family Caregiver Toolbox
  95. Together | 08.19.24 | Risk Less. Do More.
  96. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  97. The Risks and Rewards of Caregiving for Loved Ones With Dementia
  98. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [Video]
  99. Unseen
  100. Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters | Official Documentary Trailer
  101. VIDEO: Researchers Find Caregiving Worsens Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]

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: 04 November 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: 04 November 2024
  3. Carers Week: Who Is A Carer? Carers Week https://www.carersweek.org/ Accessed: 04 November 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: 04 November 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: 04 November 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: 04 November 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: 04 November 2024
  8. 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: 04 November 2024
  9. 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: 04 November 2024
  10. Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: Preventing and Managing Caregiver Stress. 05 November 2024. NIH MedlinePlus Magazine https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/caring-for-yourself-while-caring-for-others Accessed: 14 November 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: 04 November 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: 04 November 2024
Topic Last Updated: 15 May 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 November 2024

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