Caregiver Stress Under Evaluation

Caring for an elderly family member can be stressful and can pose health threats to caregivers.

A new grant from the National Institute on Aging will study the effects of caregiving on familial caregivers.

Steven Zarit, a Penn State professor and department chair will look at people who care for family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. His study will focus on how adult day care impacts the stress levels of all individuals involved.

People with dementia experience progressive memory loss, which can lead them to act out in ways that are not always easy to handle. They may try to leave the house, struggle with dressing, reject help and become agitated.

This erratic behavior requires constant surveillance and any lapses in vigilance could lead to danger.

Trained professionals are more prepared to deal with these types of behaviors and often experience less stress than family members.

“Using adult day care can reduce stress for family members by lifting the burden of responsibility from them for a few hours,” said Zarit. “At the same time, day care provides stimulating activities that promote sleep and well-being in those being cared for.”

Source and More:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/07/02/caregiver-stress-under-evaluation/6869.html