Lesson 5 Health Impact of Caregiving to the Caregivers
Family caregiving can have a major impact on the health of the caregiver which should not be overlooked as both physical and mental problems have been reported.
As for physical health, caregivers reported low health status which was related with the duration and the number of the caregiving activities. Moreover, musculoskeletal injuries have been reported due to the nature of caregiving which demands physical strength. For example, tasks like transfers, lifts or bathing can result in injuries like back pain or muscle strains.
Regarding mental health, family caregivers manifest a range of psychological symptoms related to caregiving. These range from stress, to anxiety development and clinical depression symptoms which affect the quality of their lives. On the other hand, there are rewarding effects through caregiving like appreciation of life, growth and closer relationships among family members.