Caregiver Support

Over 50 million Americans provide unpaid care for an adult with an illness or disability. Caregiving can be exhausting and emotionally draining, especially when it requires being constantly “on-call.” Stress accumulates over time until it becomes unmanageable and puts the caregiver at risk of getting sick. Getting support is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy and able to continue caregiving without completely burning out.

Some Facts About Caregiving

• About 59 – 75% of caregivers are women
• Caregivers who are not able to reduce their stress levels:
• Are more likely to have symptoms of depression or anxiety.
• Are more likely to have a long-term medical problem, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or arthritis.
• Have higher levels of stress hormones.
• Spend more days sick with an infectious disease.
• Have a weaker immune response to the flu vaccine.
• Have slower wound healing.
• Have higher levels of obesity.
• May be at higher risk for mental decline, including problems with memory and paying attention.
• One research study found that elderly people who felt stressed while taking care of their disabled spouses were 63% more likely to die within four years than caregivers who were not feeling stressed.