The Effects of Caregiving

Caregivers look after family members --- or possibly friends --- who suffer from a long-term illness. In 2004, 44 million Americans were estimated to provide such assistance, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Providing this assistance takes up a significant portion of the caregiver's time, and as a result, often has consequences relating to the individual's working life, physical health and mental well-being.

Depression and Anxiety

• Caregivers dedicate time to individuals who are often severely ill, and in some cases will watch a loved one's condition deteriorate. This can have a negative effect on a caregiver's mental health, with the individual feeling burdened by their responsibility, as well as devastated by the gradual loss of a family member or friend. Caregivers may suffer from depression or anxiety, for example, even after their care work ends; for example, as reported on the Family Caregiver Alliance website, between 30 and 40 percent of caregivers helping dementia sufferers are affected by a form of depression or emotional stress.

Stress and Frustration

• Caregivers experience a variety of emotions while providing aid. These can include feelings of helplessness, guilt or frustration. The process of trying to support an ill or disabled loved one is extremely emotionally draining, and ultimately the caregiver may end up suffering from stress or exhaustion. According to a report by the Center on Aging Society, entitled "How Do Family Caregivers Fare: A Closer Look at Their Experiences," 22 percent of caregivers are mentally exhausted by the time they go to bed each day.

Careers

• Helping an ill loved one takes up a large amount of time, and this work can directly conflict with the duties a caregiver is responsible for as part of her day job. This can result in reduced attainment in the workplace, adversely affecting the caregiver's career. In some cases, the need to care for a loved one can even lead to a caregiver giving up time at work or quitting her job entirely.

Monetary Issues

• As caregivers give up work opportunities to help a loved one, they suffer from being unable to take advantage of opportunities their career offers, such as chances for promotions and training. More serious than this is that caregivers who are forced to give up their careers entirely or work reduced hours can lose out heavily in financial terms. Researchers at the National Center on Women and Aging for the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that female caregivers, for example, suffer an average loss of $659,139 over the course of their lives because of devoting time to caring.

Positive Aspects of Caregiving

• Not all of the emotions and experiences caregivers encounter are negative. Positive results of caregiving include a feeling of personal growth and development as the individual becomes empowered and strengthened by his role. The caregiver may also experience an immense feeling of self-worth, thanks to his role in giving comfort to a loved one.