People who choose the caregiver role, or who are thrust into it due to family circumstances, can become overwhelmed by the responsibility and begin to suffer from caregiver role strain. Increasingly, elderly dementia/Alzheimer's patients have as their sole caregiver another elderly, fragile spouse who is at risk for his or her own medical problems due to the stress and strain of being the caregiver.
Eldercare researchers have noted several key predictors of strain among dementia-patient caregivers, including care receiver problem behaviors and functional limitations, and a perceived lack of support from others. On the other hand, caregivers who find effective coping tools are better able to see their role in a positive light, recognizing the significant impact they have on the loved one in their care.
Are you a caregiver?
If you're one of millions of Americans providing daily care to a loved one, be aware of the risks to your health that caregiving can cause, and be on alert for warning signs and symptoms of caregiver stress. A tool developed by The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing is known as the Modified Caregiver Strain Index. It is often administered by nurses working with the patient and caregiver, but you may want to take this test at home to see if you're handling your role in a healthy manner, or whether you might need more help from community resources, family members, or trusted friends.
The Modified Caregiver Strain Index test
Listed below are 13 things that other people have found difficult; do they apply to you? Answer 'Yes, on a Regular Basis', 'Yes, Sometimes', or 'No' to each of the following statements. Give a value of 2 to a 'Yes, on a Regular Basis' answer, a value of 1 to a 'Yes, Sometimes' answer, and a value of 0 to a 'No' answer.
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My sleep is disturbed (For example, the person I care for is in and out of bed; wanders around at night).
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Caregiving is inconvenient (For example, helping takes so much time or it's a long drive over to help).
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Caregiving is a physical strain (For example, lifting in and out of a chair; effort or concentration is required).
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Caregiving is confining (For example, helping restricts free time; cannot go visiting).
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There have been family adjustments (For example, helping has disrupted my routine; there's no privacy).
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There have been changes in personal plans (For example, I had to turn down a job; couldn't go on vacation).
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There have been other demands on my time (For example: other family members need me).
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There have been emotional adjustments (For example, severe arguments about caregiving).
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Some behavior is upsetting (For example, incontinence; he/she has trouble remembering things; he/she accuses people of taking things).
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It is upsetting to find the person I care for has changed so much from his/her former self (For example, he/she is a different person than before).
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There have been work adjustments (For example, I have to take time off for caregiving duties).
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Caregiving is a financial strain.
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I feel completely overwhelmed (For example, I worry about the person I care for; I have concerns about how I'll manage).
Total your score by counting up all 'Yes' responses. A score of 7 or higher indicates a high level of stress. Any positive answer may indicate a need for help or intervention in that area.
Our dementia care staff have a high level of knowledge on caregiver responsibilities and challenges; what questions can we help you answer as you care for your loved one?
