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From Aging Wiki 16

Revision as of 17:32, 31 October 2011

Group #16

• 1. Chelsea Mercier
• 2. Kristin Prentice
• 3. Molly Ziraldo

Caring for An Aging Relative

What are the positive effects of caregiving? Until recently, this positive view on caregiving was not given much attention, however it is receiving greater consideration, as a better understanding of the caregiver experience is needed. Caring for an aging relative can bring many positive attributes into ones' life, which can help compensate for the stress that can also be felt^[1]. There is also new research showing cognitive effects pertaining to brain development as well as effects on mortality. These new findings on positive physiological outcomes are helping to shed new light on the role of caregiving

Many adult children feel the need to give back to their parents and feel that caregiving is their duty. Actively choosing to take on the caregiver role is one of the most powerful determinative of positive outcomes.^[2]. In any regard, being able to care for someone who has provided for you in the past, is something most caregivers take pride in and feel good about. Caregiving is often a time in which the caregiver discovers more about one's self; helping foster new insights into the self and others.^[3]. This can positively influence and strengthen relationships within the caregiver’s outer social networks. Furthermore, because the individual is challenged in new ways, it allows them a chance to learn about themself, in ways that would not other wise be explored. This imrpovement in self-knowledge can lead to an increased ability to handle and cope with stressors more effectively in other domains of one's life .^[4]

Intimacy is also increased through caregiving. There is a level of intimacy and closeness that if often unattainable without taking on such a role. This level of intimacy is often the result of selfless devotion to another. This type of relationship can be very rewarding for a spouse and especially for adult children, allowing them a chance to know their parents better than ever before, as explained by an adult caregiver in the video below. .

Satisfaction through Caregiving

Most caregivers claim that above all, caring for a loved one gives their life meaning and purpose.^[4].This sense of purpose is often considered the most beneficial effect of caregving, as it can compensate for negative stressors, and make the experience worthwhile. Most caregivers also state that caregiving helps them to better appreciate life.^[2]. When one sees an ill relative nearing the end of their life or slowly losing mobility, it can spark great feelings of gratitude for their current health. This feeling of awareness can potentially lead to greater positive effects by strongly influencing an individual to care for their own health more seriously. In one study on satisfaction attained through caregiving, Cohen and colleagues found that 73% of those surveyed claimed they could find one positive aspect of caregiving.^[5]. Therefore, the majority of caregivers do in fact,find something positive within their experience. The study found that there are specific areas that provide greatest caregiver satisfaction. Among these areas, the most satisfying element was companionship followed by the feeling of fulfillment. As we grow older, loneliness can become a prevalent concern, and caregiving can help alleviate the onset of such feelings.^[5]. Caregiving is also known to give meaning to ones' life. The process of making a difference can be very rewarding, and in turn, this feeling of fulfillment can give way to an increase in motivation.^[5]. Caregivers also reported pure enjoyment as providing satisfaction, as well as the sense of responsibility.^[4].Having a duty and obligation tends to make one feel a sense of importance; knowing that someone else relies on them, can make one feel needed and worthy. Lastly, caregivers take satisfaction from the feeling of being appreciated and valued.The reciprocation of gratitude can have powerful positive effects.^[3].

Effects on the Brain

Beyond emotional aspects, there are positive effects happening on the cognitive and physiological level. A recent study on elderly women shows an increase in memory and lower mortality rates.^[6].This is in direct relation to caregiving as it is a physically demanding job and requires constant mental stimulation. The caregiver is often getting physical and mental exercise without knowing it. Reslutls showed improved strength and cardiovascular performance with caregivers versus non-caregivers, in addition to higher scores on memory tests.These opitimistic findings may help caregivers know that their handwork is paying off in more ways than one.

There is more research to be done regarding the aspects of caregiving, but it is clear that the positive effects are just as important to understand as the negative ones.

Negative Impact on the Caregivers

A big proportion of North America’s population and other countries around the world are aging quickly and with age comes the need of help as they become frail and ill.^[7]. Society offers formal caring, but due to personal choice, money availability, and lack of beds, informal caring has become popular ^[8]. Informal caring is when a family member or a friend cares for an elderly due to family responsibilities and therefore they are not paid for it^[9].

Physiological Disadvantages

Caregivers report physical issues that arise when caring for an elderly relative. To some this may not come as a surprise, because when caring for others, sometimes the caregivers neglect their own needs ^[9]. Women report that they feel like they are part of the “Sandwhich generation”, where they are taking the role of caregiver for their elderly, sick parents, and parenthood with their young children, and therefore they view the caregiving as a burden, which generally leads to depression and a “burn out”^[10]. Women also report that they feel more stress and depressed when they are caring for males^[11].Not only is caring for an extra person costing more money for the essentials such as food, but those who are taking the role of caregiver, also has to sacrifice their careers^[12]. Women are generally more affected by men, because they feel the need to care for their parents, and men are more attached to their careers, but it only has an effect if they are caring for more than 10 hours a week ^[13]