The Caring Corner®
Homecare Advice for Chapel Hill: Depression in Caregivers
Caregivers provide homecare for seniors every day in the United States. These caretakers are very diverse throughout the country, ranging in age, gender, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. There are over 34 million people caring for a terminally ill loved one in this country. They share many struggles and challenges depending on their circumstances. They often need differing levels of support depending on their loved one’s condition and needs and their own problems, needs, strengths and resources. A recent study has found that nearly one-quarter of caregivers are moderately or severely depressed and nearly one-third have moderate to severe anxiety. It is important for health providers to treat not only the patient, but the whole family. It is important to identify when the caregiver needs help or counseling to get through the ordeal.
Caregivers are under immense stress and are most likely not getting help or treatment for it. Younger caregivers are more likely to be depressed or anxious while those caring with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease have higher levels of depression. Most health providers focus on the patient instead of the family as a whole and it is important to recognize that it is a family disease that needs compassion and support. Caregivers need to reach out for support through friends and family, online resources and books and materials to help them through the ordeal. They should not suffer alone at home through such a difficult time.
Call Acorn for screened in home care givers to assist you loved lines in Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro and nearby areas.
