Caregivers help take care of someone else’s needs. This may be a child, parent, sibling, grandparent, relative, an elderly person, or someone with a chronic illness or disability. A formal caregiver is a professional paid to care for someone in the home or in a facility. An informal caretaker is not paid and sometimes has another job.

Regardless of whether the nature of the relationship is professional or personal, caregivers provide assistance in a wide range of tasks and activities, such as:

managing medical needs, transporting to medical appointments, asking questions, and ensuring compliance with medical recommendations and prescriptions
cooking, feeding, grocery shopping
cleaning and other housework, such as laundry
bathing and getting dressed
ensuring medication is taken on time, putting in pharmacy requests, picking up as needed

The Risks of Being a Caregiver

Research has found that caregivers generally experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in being useful. However, they’re also at an increased risk for stress, anxiety, depression, and even lowered immune function.

As a caregiver, it’s crucial to be proactive in your own wellbeing. Though it may be difficult to pay attention to what’s going on with yourself while taking care of another person, here are some signs you may need help:

feeling overwhelmed
feeling sad, hopeless, or experiencing a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
feeling angry or irritable
not being able to make time for your own medical appointments or self-care
changes in eating and sleeping habits or patterns

If you notice any of these feelings or behaviors, take action to maintain your mental and physical wellness and ask for help.

Asking for Help

Whether you are a formal or informal caregiver, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Below are some options to explore:

hire professional services
look for volunteers or organizations (federal, state, or local resources, such as the Administration for Community Living)
ask family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues for help
discuss your feelings with a counselor/therapist
join a support group
reach out to a spiritual or faith-based organization for support or guidance

As a caregiver, your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing are important. Taking care of your needs lets you continue to take care of the needs of others. Help is available if the stress of caregiving feels overwhelming. Don’t try to take on everything alone.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For caregivers, family and friends. Published June 28, 2022. Accessed February 5, 2023.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Get support if you’re a caregiver. Published December 7, 2022. Accessed February 5, 2023.

National Caregiver Family Support Program

When the Caregiver Needs Care: Understanding the Signs and Getting Help

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