Most people have vague notions that their children will care for them when the time comes. However, even when family members are willing and able, providing such care creates physical, emotional, and financial stress. It is difficult to help someone for long periods. The caregiver must balance his personal needs with those of the care recipient, who eventually may demand constant attention. When people begin to lose their independence and need help with ordinary activities, family and friends usually step in and provide the needed assistance. This is called informal care, in contrast to the formal care provided by health care professionals. About three-quarters of this type of care delivered in the United States is provided by family and friends—those individuals who love the person so much they’re willing to sacrifice to care for him/her. However, we now know from research and personal experience that the caregiving role is demanding and stressful. Caregivers often don’t have the skills, time, or resources to provide the assistance that is needed. Physical stress can come from having to be with, watch over, or move a person—for example, from a bed to a chair. When such stress is prolonged and the caregiver doesn’t take time out for personal activities, he can experience physical exhaustion easily. Emotional stress arises from watching a loved one deteriorate physically or mentally. Like physical stress, emotional stress can become exhausting when it’s prolonged, with little or no relief. Although caregiving is expensive in terms of physical and emotional stress, it’s also financially expensive. Some caregivers work fewer hours, some replace their full-time positions with part-time employment, and some even quit their jobs. Expenses increase as people try to pay in both time and money for their loved ones’ care. The financial stress arises because most adults can’t afford the added expenses when they are trying to raise their families and plan for their own retirements. As all this stress builds, caregivers look for help elsewhere. "Given your family history, what are some of the likely things that could cause you to need care as you age?"
"Would your need for care put an emotional, a physical, or a financial burden on your loved ones?"
"As you become older, how do you want to be cared for?"
- courtesy of KAPLAN
