Friday, January 27, 2012

Benefits and Risks of Caregiving

“Caregiving can be a gift in disguise—an experience that moves you toward a more meaningful connection with yourself and with others.”  [Goldman, Connie, The Gifts of Caregiving, Minneapolis:  Fairview Press, 2002), 7.] Many caregivers find satisfaction in caring for their elders who loved and nurtured them in earlier times; it’s a time of pay back to the precious Mother who wiped your nose, dried your tears and guided you into the adult you are today.  

The risks of caregiving
Caregiving puts additional stresses into life for caregivers.  As their days become too busy with caring for Mom, many caregivers postpone their own medical care.  In fact, 72% of caregivers report not seeing their doctor as often as they should.  63% of caregivers admit their eating habits aren’t healthy and 58% of caregivers find that their exercise habits have declined since they began caregiving.  Caregivers may find themselves becoming depressed:  watching your beloved Mother become old and sick breaks your heart.  The extreme stress of caregiving can shorten a caregiver’s life by 10 years.  What can caregivers and their families do to better cope?  More statistics about caregiving can be found at National Family Caregivers Association at http://www.nfcacares.org/who_are_family_caregivers/care_giving_statstics.cfm

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