Caregiving is rewarding but stressful

Caregiving can have many rewards. For most caregivers, being there when a loved one needs you is a core value and something you wish to provide.

But a shift in roles and emotions is almost certain. It is natural to feel angry, frustrated, exhausted, alone or sad. Caregiver stress — the emotional and physical stress of caregiving — is common.

People who experience caregiver stress can be vulnerable to changes in their own health. Risk factors for caregiver stress include:

• Living with the person you are caring for
• Social isolation
• Having depression
• Financial difficulties
• Higher number of hours spent caregiving
• Lack of coping skills and difficulty solving problems
• Lack of choice in being a caregiver