Studies Show Link to Death
The Ohio State University performed a 6-year study of caregivers that showed a significant deterioration in their health compared to a similar group of non-caregivers who were the same age. One of the reasons this happens is because individuals who care for their loved ones often neglect self-care in order to provide personal care for their loved ones. After the 6-yr study was completed, the results showed that the caregivers had a 63 percent higher death rate than the control group (non-caregivers). The study also showed that 70 percent of those caregivers died and had to be replaced, leaving their loved ones to fend for themselves. The fact that only 30 percent of caregivers lived longer than the family member that they were caring for, highlights the importance of self-care for caregivers.
What happens when the loved one lives longer than the caregiver? Loved ones end up in nursing homes, and as I have written in a previous article here nursing homes are not the best choice for long term care of seniors due to their increased risk of pressure ulcers, malnutrition, neglect, and death.
A study done by the University of California’s Department of Psychiatry reported that family caregiving can take as many as 10 years away from a caregiver’s life. It’s understandable that a family caregiver wants to take care of their loved ones. They might feel as if it is their duty, and in most cases, there is validity in that feeling. This is someone you love. This is someone whom you have spent a vast majority of your life with so you feel obligated to take care of them. They might have provided for you for an extensive part of your life, and now they are unable to take care of themselves. You feel as if you are required to "return the favor". The love that you have for them drives you to take care of them. All of these sentiments are normal. My intentions are not to deter anyone from taking care of their loved ones, but I want family caregivers to know that caregiver burnout can be detrimental to the health of the caregiver, and also the family member in need of help.
Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is described as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. This can lead to irritability, depression, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, changes in appetite, changes in weight, and guilt that presents itself because of the aforementioned items. There are many causes of caregiver burnout, but I will touch on a few of the major causes.
Stress has been scientifically proven to cause physical harm to the body. Another study performed by Ohio State University showed a direct link between stress and Interluekin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is a cytokine, and cytokines are proteins that are released by cells to communicate with other cells specifically in the immune system. When IL-6 is increased, the risk of serious illness is also increased, due to the affect IL-6 has on the immune system. Caregivers are under constant stress while taking care of their loved ones, and this causes long-term effects on the caregiver’s body that impairs their immune system, causing the development of disease, early aging, and premature death. If you are just starting the transition of taking care of your loved ones, and don't "feel stress", your body is already undergoing the changes internally. The outward manifestation of stress takes place after the inward presentation has been present for some time.
Role Reversal: Many caregivers are taking on new roles and new family dynamics. A caregiver might have to take care of a parent, who previously took care of them. They might have to take care of a spouse, who they equally took care of kids and had specific household duties, or it could be an older or younger sibling now having to take on that caregiver role with each other. This change in the family dynamic causes added stress to an already stressful situation.
Unrealistic Expectations: Many caregivers do not completely understand the disease process of certain illnesses. This causes confusion when a family member is not getting better, or their condition is worsening. Certain diseases, like Alzheimer's, manifest primarily internally (initially) so a caregiver cannot physically see anything wrong with their loved ones, yet there is a severe change in the functioning of that family member. Certain diseases fluctuate to where a loved one may have good days and bad days. This can cause a false sense of hope in caregivers, and subsequently cause frustration and increased stress when they feel as if the family member is starting to get better, but takes a turn for the worse.
Increased Demands: When caring for a loved one, there is an increase in financial, physical, mental, and spiritual demand. Some caregivers have to reduce their time at work, or pay for services out of pocket. If the loved one suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's, the loved one could exhibit verbally and physically aggressive behavior. This heightens the stress load of the caregiver.
What Can Caregivers Do?
Identifying caregiver burnout is the first step in rectifying the situation. The caregiver must understand that it is ok to acknowledge feelings of irritability, frustration, guilt, and depression. Those are natural responses to stressful situations.
The second thing the caregiver needs to do is seek assistance in the form of assisted living, home health, respite care, or volunteer sitters. You do not have to be superman or superwoman for your loved ones. Ask for help.
The third thing to remember is to take care of yourself. Take breaks, workout, eat healthy, get enough sleep, pray, meditate, and do things you enjoy. If you have ever flown on an airplane, you have been a part of the redundant flight safety briefs before takeoff. A key thing that they tell you is that in case of a disaster, and the oxygen masks deploy, place the oxygen mask on yourself first before placing it on children or someone you are caring for. If you aren't properly oxygenated, your movements become slower, you become more confused, and your responses are delayed. Worst case scenario; you can suffocate before applying the oxygen to that child or loved one, resulting in the death of both parties. That same methodology applies when caring for your loved ones. If you do not take care of yourself, you risk not functioning at your fullest capacity, which could result in decreased care for your loved one, and harm to yourself.
At Carnegie Care Residential Assisted Living Facility, we pride ourselves in premier concierge treatment of your loved ones. Assisted living facilities are an option if you need assistance with 24-hour care. Respite Care is an option for caregivers to receive a break for a couple of days to a couple of weeks. This can be done in home, or at other facilities including assisted living facilities. This is ideal for vacations, weekend engagements, or if you just need a break for a few days. Home health services are also an option. If you only need assistance a few hours a day, a couple of days a week, then home health services are ideal. However, if your loved one is in need of around the clock care, getting up in the morning, baths, medication administration, dressing, night time care, and personal hygiene, an assisted living facility is a better option. Remember it is important to keep in mind that the goal is for your loved one to have the best possible care. If you are suffering from caregiver burnout, it is important for you to take steps to improve the health of yourself and your loved one. The healthier you are, the better care you can give them.