Caregiver Support
Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers
Michelle C. Hudson, MA, Psychology Intern
Caregiving and Loss of Self Focus
• Sacrifice own physical and emotional needs
o Sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, failure to exercise, failure to rest when ill, postponement of own medical appointments
o Feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, isolation, exhaustion, guilt
Health Impacts
• Chronic Health Problems (Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity) & Earlier Death
• Caregiving spouses, ages of 66 and 96, experiencing mental or emotional strain, have a risk of dying that is 63 percent higher than that of people who are not caregivers
• Increased risk of excessive alcohol, tobacco and other drug use
• 49 to 56% of caregivers are clinically depressed
Symptoms of Depression
• Depressed mood most of day, nearly every day (sad, empty)
• Loss of interest in activities that use to bring enjoyment
• Change in eating habits; Significant weight loss/gain
• Change in sleep patterns (too little vs too much)
• Fatigue/Loss of energy
• Feelings of Worthlessness, Guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death, suicide
Factors Associated with Increased Rates of Depression
• Caring for loved one with dementia
• Women 2x more likely to experience depression than men
• Lack of sleep
• Placement in care facility
o Loneliness, guilt, which can last for up to 3 years after placement
Interventions
Medical/Mental Health:
• Schedule physical exam with primary care provider
• Talk with mental health provider (psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, etc.)
Identify Personal Barriers (Unhelpful Beliefs):
• (e.g., Selfish to put own needs first, Have to prove that worthy of love, I am responsible for my husband’s health)
Reducing Stress:
• Pay attention, do not ignore symptoms
• Take a break (respite)
Michelle C. Hudson, MA, Psychology Intern
Caregiving and Loss of Self Focus
• Sacrifice own physical and emotional needs
o Sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, failure to exercise, failure to rest when ill, postponement of own medical appointments
o Feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, isolation, exhaustion, guilt
Health Impacts
• Chronic Health Problems (Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity) & Earlier Death
• Caregiving spouses, ages of 66 and 96, experiencing mental or emotional strain, have a risk of dying that is 63 percent higher than that of people who are not caregivers
• Increased risk of excessive alcohol, tobacco and other drug use
• 49 to 56% of caregivers are clinically depressed
Symptoms of Depression
• Depressed mood most of day, nearly every day (sad, empty)
• Loss of interest in activities that use to bring enjoyment
• Change in eating habits; Significant weight loss/gain
• Change in sleep patterns (too little vs too much)
• Fatigue/Loss of energy
• Feelings of Worthlessness, Guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death, suicide
Factors Associated with Increased Rates of Depression
• Caring for loved one with dementia
• Women 2x more likely to experience depression than men
• Lack of sleep
• Placement in care facility
o Loneliness, guilt, which can last for up to 3 years after placement
Interventions
Medical/Mental Health:
• Schedule physical exam with primary care provider
• Talk with mental health provider (psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, etc.)
Identify Personal Barriers (Unhelpful Beliefs):
• (e.g., Selfish to put own needs first, Have to prove that worthy of love, I am responsible for my husband’s health)
Reducing Stress:
• Pay attention, do not ignore symptoms
• Take a break (respite)