physiological and physical impact on care-givers
TRANSCRIPT
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL IMPACT ON CARE-GIVERSReview of Literature
D. Poinsett
THIS POWER POINT WILL EXAMINE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL IMPACT BEING A CAREGIVER HAS ON THE CARE-
GIVER.
Psychological health of care-givers is negatively affected:
Care-givers show higher levels of depressionBoth care-givers depression and perceived
burden can increase depression and emotional stress
Depression can worsen with sending patient to a nursing home or institution
Have higher levels of anxiety disorders Substance abuse and dependency
Care-givers have higher levels of stress and frustration
Feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, helplessness and anger
Emotionally drained and strains. Chronic stress and decrease of cognitive skills
due to stress and fatigue
Care-givers have feeling of loss of self
Decreased levels of self-esteem Constant worry and feelings of uncertainty Lower levels of self acceptance Loss of self-identity
Care-giving can have an impact on physical health
Physical health is reported to get worse with being a caregiver
Report more chronic conditions then non-caregivers
Have more incidences of heartburn, headaches, aches , pains and other physical ailments
Have higher levels of obesity Physical stress is increased with care-givers of
patients who are unable to transfer themselves or care for themselves.
Care-givers have lower levels of their own self care
Less likely to seek medical help for their aliments
More likely to smoke and drink and consume fat and unhealthy eating habits
Poor eating habits for themselves. Hardly any care-givers report exercising or
healthy habits when caring for patient
What is needed to help and assist care-givers?
Support services Education and programs to assist in
knowledge of care-giving Aide in reducing the burden of care-giving Financial support to help those in economic
stress Primary care to address the care-givers needs
Future research needed in
Does sex, age and relationship to the patient affect the ability of the caregiver to:CopeNegative or positive effects
What areas can assist the care-giverNursing interventionSocial worker and support groupsPsychological or physical evaluations
Do specific areas effect the care-givers psychological and physical health
EthnicityCultureAgeSocial resourcesCoping processBeliefs and values
Due to the economy and the limited stay at hospitals and the increased cost of home and skilled nursing facilities, many families are providing care of their family members for extended periods of time.
These burdens can increase the stress and physical demands on the caregivers, which, over time, can cause mental and physical health problems
Research needs to be done to determine who is at risk and what resources or help can be provided to decrease the negative impacts of being a caregiver.