Caregivers ⋆ Meno Martha International Menopause Directory

“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 States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need, such as an ill spouse or partner, a disabled child, or an aging relative. However, family members who are actively caring for an older adult often don’t self-identify as a “caregiver.” Recognizing this role can help caregivers receive the support they need”.³

Informal Caregiver

Who is an informal caregiver?

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 realize that your own health and well-being are suffering. Watch for these signs of caregiver stress:

Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
Feeling tired often
Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
Gaining or losing weight
Becoming easily irritated or angry
Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
Feeling sad
Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications”.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:

Accept help…
Focus on what you are able to provide…
Set realistic goals…
Get connected…
Join a support group…
Seek social support…
Set personal health goals…
See your doctor…”.⁹

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:

“Nearly 60 percent of caregivers work outside of the home. If you work outside the home and you’re a caregiver, you may begin to feel overwhelmed. If you do, think about taking leave from your job for a period of time.

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 options for unpaid leave”.¹⁰

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:

“Rather than struggling on your own, take advantage of local resources for caregivers. To get started, check out the Eldercare Locator or contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to learn about services in your community. You can find your local AAA online or in the government section of your telephone directory”.¹¹

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?

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Links

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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

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