Caregiver burden and stress has been debated over a long period. Caregivers are called on to lift, dress, bathe, transfer, and stabilize their charges. Most women caregivers have to deal with someone physically larger. Caregiving partners are socially isolated because they cannot leave their disabled spouse. Caregiving can be an overwhelming, fatiguing experience if there is no support, guidance, or respite.
Additional stress is present for the sandwich generation with growing families and disabled parents.
The elderly's happy way of life can be obliterated by a fall, a fracture, or a stroke. Help at home is available from different sources. From Pittsburgh, a recent study of approximately 400 spousal caregivers aged 65 and older and 400 matched controls, throws some light on this subject. Mortality was greater in those who were already physically compromised. Caregivers were much less likely to have time to rest when sick or to have adequate exercise.