Can Care-giving be a Health Hazard?

There are around 66 million informal caregivers in the United States, and the caregiving epidemic will only grow as America faces an aging population says a recent report by Emblem Health. Without a fancy education or formal training, family members are primarily the ones who are bearing the strenuous nature of caregiving. This experience can be a “chronic stressor” for the caregiver. Characterized by a lack of sleep, exponential responsibilities, financial burden and the incessant worry for a loved one, “Caregiver Syndrome” is a true risk.

Not only do caregivers take care of others, but they also have jobs to go to, children to attend to, households to run and bills to be paid, all of which compound the problem. They worry about how they’re going to handle it all.

It is essential for caregivers to be aware of these hazards and seek help when needed. There are countless resources to assist individuals to prevent burnout, illness and the countless negative consequences associated with informal caregiving. Find out more in this Huffington Post article .