Women’s Health Suffers as Caregiving Roles Grow
This information is something to keep in mind for all of us as we watch our parents grow older and try to take on the additional tasks of caregiving roles for them while they can still be at home.
As the number of home caregivers continues to grow, researchers are noticing several distinct patterns. First, most of the caregivers in the country are female. It is estimated that 66 percent of all caregivers are women. In addition, the burden of caregiving is affecting the health of women. They are taking on more roles and handling finances, daily tasks, errands, hygiene, shopping, transportation and other vital tasks.
Caregivers are often forced to balance their personal lives with the need to help a family member or friend who is not able to function without them. A survey of caregivers found that one out of six was working full-time or part-time. This creates an additional burden and strain that affects health.
A study from AARP reveals that 17 percent of female caregivers believe their own health is getting worse because of the stress of caring for another individual. The impact of this additional role varies, but researchers have noticed that the caregivers’ immune system is affected for three years after they no longer provide help to a person with dementia. The daily stress of helping another person bathe, dress, eat, walk and take medications adds up quickly.
The impact on women’s health ranges from higher rates of depression to more vulnerable immune systems. In addition, researchers are seeing higher rates of anxiety among female caregivers. They also notice higher rates of obesity and more chronic health problems. Although each individual caregiver can experience different symptoms and problems, the overall negative impact on health is widespread.
If you are a caregiver and have noticed your health is deteriorating, it is important to take steps to reduce stress and build immunity. You may need to consult your doctor, reach out to friends for help or delegate caregiving duties. You can also join support groups to help you eliminate stress and find a way to take care of your own health.
This is so important for those who are caregivers. I didn’t know that hospice can be used up to a year before someone dies. I wish I had known that for my dad.
I am a nurse and have been for thirty years. I totally agree with everything you shared in this article. I have dealt with depression and anxiety myself for a long time. Thank you so much for sharing
Very Important article in my opinion. I am a caregiver and I have noticed that my health needs goes second now. I still try to fit in my morning jogs and healthy eating but it is much harder and I have much more stress. Yoga helps me somewhat but not always. Keep up the good work on your blog and thank you!
Yes, this is definitely true in my family. My mother has put off important appointments of her own to care for my grandmother.
Thanks for the info and letting me know.
This is really important. I took care of my husband for 10 years when he had Parkin’s and this is so true. I had a counselor that insisted I have 30 min. a day for my self. It helped.
Wow didn’t realise it affected health so much
Thankyou for the advice and tips -think it’s time for a change
This is so true!! Great post & it does have a big impact then most realize! Being a caregiver for my dad,work & have 2 girls in year around sports I have noticed my stress level increase alot! Prayers for all! 🙂
Being a caregiver is a very challenging role They need lots of support and encouragement.
My Mum was diagnosed with colon cancer last year and I now look after her daily needs such as cooking, cleaning, changing her colostomy bag etc. While she recovered well after her surgery, the cancer has returned and she now faces chemo, radiotherapy and another major operation. Both she and I are taking these few weeks until her surgery to build ourselves up, ready for when she will require 24 hour care. It really is draining on the immune system and I even got cold sores (never had them before) that wouldn’t shift. We’ve learnt to ‘listen’ to our bodies.
I don’t think many people realize how much work and stamina it takes to be a caregiver whether its for an elderly person, physically or mentally disabled. Sometimes caregivers go without sleep and neglect THEIR OWN health in order to take care of the other person properly. I think if you know someone who is a caregiver try to give them some help when you can. Even if it’s just to be a friendly ear to listen. They need care and encouragement too! 🙂
There are Carer centre/s in some areas. Men as well as women may be Carers. It would seem that more acknowledgement and support is needed. Also maybe there should be some way to inform the public of who is most supportive, maybe a scale used for Employers in regards to how supportive or inflexible they are in regards to employees who have a Caring role.
Maybe services could or should be assessed in how accessible, supportive, helpful they are in regards to assisting those who are in a Caring role.
Carers can register with their G.P. ( General Practitioner), this can assist in support, consideration of Caring role, offer of annual flu vaccination etc.
Carers Week is at the beginning on June.
There is also a Carers Rights Day, at this event there is information regarding your Rights as a Carer. It is worth being informed and up to date in regards to aspects which can effect / affect / impact on your Caring role etc.