Here鈥檚 a possible Trivial Pursuit question: 鈥淲hat鈥檚 the fastest growing unpaid profession in North America?鈥�
I admit I wouldn鈥檛 have known the answer. But according to the Family Caregiver Alliance, more than 65.7 million Americans, that鈥檚 29 per cent of the population, provide care to a family member, loved one or friend who is ill disabled or aged. But when does such labour of love trigger burnout anger in the caregiver?
A report from Johns Hopkins University states, 鈥淭he average unpaid, or informal, caregiver is a 46-year-old female with a full- or part-time job who spends about 20 hours a week catering for her mother.鈥�
But for those caring for a loved one older than 65, the average age is 63. Unfortunately, one-third of these caregivers are also in poor health.
Another study carried out in Sweden revealed the shocking news that 18 per cent of people older than 75 were involved in the care of others. For these elderly caregivers, this isn鈥檛 what they expected to be doing in their golden years.
I鈥檓 sure while they鈥檙e carrying out these arduous daily tasks, they must share the thought of the German philosopher Nietzsche, who remarked, 鈥淭here is no greater misery than to remember happier times.鈥�
The problem with an aging population is that they suffer from a variety of problems. For instance, a Gallup survey revealed that 15 million North Americans are caring for someone incapacitated by some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.
Millions of others are helping family members suffering from cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson鈥檚 disease or incapacitated by severe unrelenting arthritic pain.
Sooner or later, the demands of time and energy made on some caregivers triggers a reaction, similar to the last straw that finally breaks the camel鈥檚 back.
This crisis occurs when they have neglected their own health for too long.
Caring for others is also a dangerous job. For example, in one study, caregivers, age 66 and over, had a 63 per cent higher mortality rate than non-caregivers of the same age.
The physical task facing caregivers can be overwhelming. But according to experts, it鈥檚 the mental toll that is more likely to bring caregivers to their knees. They suffer from loneliness, anxiety, fear of the future, depression and at times anger at the person they鈥檙e caring for. It鈥檚 small wonder that they require more anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs than the general population.
So how can caregivers cope with physical and mental stress day after day? First, it鈥檚 vital that they don鈥檛 put their own health at the bottom of the list. This is a sure formula for Burnout 101. Family members must keep a wary eye on the caregiver and realize there鈥檚 a crisis in the making if they notice them reaching for alcohol, having difficulty concentrating, suffering from insomnia or having thoughts of suicide. This is a time when other family members must share the burden.
Caregivers who remain silent and uncomplaining are quicker to suffer burnout. It鈥檚 important for them to let it out with a family member, friend, clergy or a counsellor. It鈥檚 also prudent for them to get some form of exercise daily. And to 搂nd time during the day for something they enjoy, whether it be reading a book or watching a movie.
Caregivers must be ready for emergencies. This means trying to plan ahead for the dangers that could occur in the community. For example, you may live in an area that is prone to sudden snowstorms. What will happen at subzero temperatures if electrical power shuts down for days?
Others who reside in disaster-prone regions need to plan an escape route and how to handle someone in a wheelchair. Moreover, even with a plan of action, you won鈥檛 get far if the car hasn鈥檛 an ample supply of gas.
Caregiving involves so much work and stress, it鈥檚 no wonder the handler suffers Burnout 101. The bad news is this problem is going to get worse with an aging population.
So far, I鈥檝e been lucky that I or family members have not had to face this added stress, another factor that may have added to my longevity.
