Family Caregiving: Mental & Physical Health Effects
November is National Family Caregivers Month. We acknowledge that we should celebrate family caregivers every day but, according to the Administration on Community Living, this observance allows us to “recognize and honor caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and work to increase support for our nation's caregivers.”1
Approximately 20% adults in the United States care for family members or friends with a chronic health condition or disability.2 Caregiving has been identified as a major public health issue, influencing policymakers and professional advocacy groups. The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers recognized family caregiving as a public health priority in 2022 to promote the well-being of this large segment of the population.2
Family caregivers are not paid professionals. They help with daily tasks (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming), as well as medication management, meal preparation, and transportation.3 They offer companionship and overall emotional and social support.
Family caregivers come from all ages and genders. While most are women, about 40 percent are men.4 Two out of three older care recipients rely on one unpaid caregiver in the U.S.4 Family caregivers are vital and often underappreciated. Their role is growing, presenting challenges and opportunities, but its impact on the caregiver's health is often ignored.4
Mental, Emotional and Physical Health
Being a caregiver can deeply affect a person's mental and physical health. Studies show that caregivers often face more depression and health problems than the general population, with caregiving’s emotional strain seeming to be more severe than the physical.5 Research also shows that caregivers are 63 percent more likely to die from mental or emotional strain than non-caregivers.5 Caregivers face more anxiety disorders5 and lower level of perceived health than non-caregivers.
Many factors influence the physical health of family members who help provide care, including the care recipient's behavior, cognitive impairment, disabilities, and how much care is needed.6 Studies found that caregivers, especially those under a lot of stress, might face heart disease and weakened immune systems.7
Caregiving is not all negative (e.g., 1 in 12 caregivers say their health has improved from caregiving).8 JBS conducted a national longitudinal study of AmeriCorps Seniors caregiver respite service and the health effects on caregivers which found positive mental and physical health outcomes among caregivers.6 Caregivers who feel appreciated experience greater physical and emotional health.9 Feeling valued and supported can help caregivers cope with their duties.8
Prevention and Management of Caregivers’ Health
Caregivers who feel unappreciated should seek support from family and friends. Sharing the caregiving load and taking breaks can prevent burnout.8 Some strategies and resources to support caregivers include:
Self-Care Strategies- Caregivers should stay active, eat well, and get enough sleep.6 Find ways to relax, take breaks, and be kind to themselves.6
Support Resources- Asking for help is hard for caregivers, but they often wish they had.6 Get professional help.8
Health Monitoring- Regular doctor visits and a healthy lifestyle are important.8 Caregivers might need breaks and emotional support.7 Respite care can provide time for self-care. Focus on self-care, getting support, and monitoring health.10
Support Systems- Caregiving has complex mental and emotional effects.9 While it can lead to depression and anxiety, many find personal growth and spiritual fulfillment. Supporting caregivers is key to reducing the emotional burden and improving their well-being.6,7
A Proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month, 2024 from The White House states that, “Family caregivers are the backbone of our Nation, making tremendous sacrifices to be there for the people who need and cherish them most. This month, we honor their selfless love and courage, and we recommit to getting them the support they deserve. They should know their country has their backs.”
This November, make sure to reach out to a caregiver and let them know you care.
References
1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. (2022, October 28). National Family Caregivers Month 2023.
2 Kilmer, G., Omura, J.D., Bouldin, E.D., Walker, J., Spears, K., Gore, J., Ali, A.R., & McGuire, L.C. (2024). Changes in Health Indicators Among Caregivers — United States, 2015–2016 to 2021–2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
73(34), 740–746. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7334a2
3 Family Caregiver Alliance, & California Caregiver Resource Center. (n.d.). Caregiver health.
4 Reinhard, S.C., Given, B, Petlick, N.H., and Bemis, A. (2008). Supporting family caregivers in providing care. In R.G. Hughes, (Ed.), Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
5 Schulz, R., & Beach, S. R. (1999, December 15). Caregiving as a risk factor for mortality: The caregiver health effects study. JAMA, 282(23), 2215–2219.
6 Schulz, R., & Sherwood, P. R. (2008). Physical and mental health effects of family caregiving. The American Journal of Nursing, 108(9), 23–27.
7 National Council on Aging. (2022, October 7). Caregiver stress: The impact on physical health.
8 Family Caregiver Alliance. (2016). Caregiver Statistics: Health, Technology, and Caregiving Resources
9 MedlinePlus. (2020, May 26). Caregiver health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Library of Medicine.
10 Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Caregiver Stress.