PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL IMPACT ON CARE-GIVERSReview of Literature

D. Poinsett

THIS POWER POINT WILL EXAMINE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL IMPACT BEING A CAREGIVER HAS ON THE CARE-

GIVER.

Psychological health of care-givers is negatively affected:

Care-givers show higher levels of depressionBoth care-givers depression and perceived

burden can increase depression and emotional stress

Depression can worsen with sending patient to a nursing home or institution

Have higher levels of anxiety disorders Substance abuse and dependency

Care-givers have higher levels of stress and frustration

Feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, helplessness and anger

Emotionally drained and strains. Chronic stress and decrease of cognitive skills

due to stress and fatigue

Care-givers have feeling of loss of self

Decreased levels of self-esteem Constant worry and feelings of uncertainty Lower levels of self acceptance Loss of self-identity

Care-giving can have an impact on physical health

Physical health is reported to get worse with being a caregiver

Report more chronic conditions then non-caregivers

Have more incidences of heartburn, headaches, aches , pains and other physical ailments

Have higher levels of obesity Physical stress is increased with care-givers of

patients who are unable to transfer themselves or care for themselves.

Care-givers have lower levels of their own self care

Less likely to seek medical help for their aliments

More likely to smoke and drink and consume fat and unhealthy eating habits

Poor eating habits for themselves. Hardly any care-givers report exercising or

healthy habits when caring for patient

What is needed to help and assist care-givers?

Support services Education and programs to assist in

knowledge of care-giving Aide in reducing the burden of care-giving Financial support to help those in economic

stress Primary care to address the care-givers needs

Future research needed in

Does sex, age and relationship to the patient affect the ability of the caregiver to:CopeNegative or positive effects

What areas can assist the care-giverNursing interventionSocial worker and support groupsPsychological or physical evaluations

Do specific areas effect the care-givers psychological and physical health

EthnicityCultureAgeSocial resourcesCoping processBeliefs and values

Due to the economy and the limited stay at hospitals and the increased cost of home and skilled nursing facilities, many families are providing care of their family members for extended periods of time.

These burdens can increase the stress and physical demands on the caregivers, which, over time, can cause mental and physical health problems

Research needs to be done to determine who is at risk and what resources or help can be provided to decrease the negative impacts of being a caregiver.