As the aging population increases, there will be a great need for caregivers (Beydoun et al., 2019). Caregiving is described as an act of actively providing direct care to someone with physical, psychological, or developmental needs (Work and Family Research Network, 2018).
A caregiver is an umbrella term for someone who provides care for someone else. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines a caregiver as “a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2021). There are different types of caregivers, formal (professional) and informal (non-professional).
Informal caregivers are usually composed of family members, relatives, friends, neighbours, and/or the community (Drentea, 2007). In comparison, formal caregivers as an individual who is employed will provide services like respite care. The role of the caregiver is to help relieve burdens and support activities of daily living of the individual in need of assistants (Watson, 2019). Caregivers can offer support long-term or short-term; however, the length of support does not affect their importance.
Caregiver Stress
Caregiver defined
Caregiver Stress can be a result of the emotional and physical demands of being a caregiver (Ingber, 2021). Many caregivers do not have “extra” time as they are providing help most of the day. As a result, caregivers have reported higher levels of stress compared to non-caregivers (Ingber, 2021). Also, caregivers may “neglect their health as their health problems may seem less important than their care recipients. Moreover, caregivers may not have enough time or energy to attend health visits owing to the high caregiving burden and stress” (Jacob, 2020).
Signs of caregiver stress
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Denial
- Depression
- Irritability and aggression
- Feeling worn out and resentful
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decrease in personal health
- Overreacting to minor inconveniences
- Change in appetite
- Self neglecting
- Lack of interest leisure activities
(Alzheimer Society of Canada; 2021 & VGH & Smith, 2020; UBC Hospital Foundation, 2021)
Caregiver Fatigue
Caregiver Fatigue Defined
Caregiver Fatigue, also known as caregiver burnout, is when the caregiver’s emotional and physical wellness is stretched too thin (Stringfellow, 2019). Emotional and physical exhaustion often leads to a change in attitude. As a result of fatigue, negative feelings towards providing care can arise. In addition, the recipient of care might share the feelings resulting in resentment (Stringfellow, 2019).
If the caregiver is experiencing Caregiver Fatigue and not addressing Self-Care needs, long-term stress supports Caregiver Burnout. In addition, it is challenging to provide the best care possible if the caregiver does not make their own care a priority. The quality of care provided by an informal caregiver depends on the quality of life and well-being of the caregiver itself (Dixe et al., 2019).
Signs of Caregiver Fatigue
- Weaken immune system, feeling like your getting sick
- Constantly exhausted and lack of energy, even after being a good sleep or break
- Neglect towards self care, either too busy or cannot be bothered
- You feel helpless and hopeless.
- Caregiver in the center or your life but give little satisfaction
- Difficulty relaxing even when help is offered
- Increase irritability and lack of patients for person in our care
(Alzheimer Society of Canada; 2021 & VGH & Smith, 2020; UBC Hospital Foundation, 2021)
Caregiver Fatigue Animated Video
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