Illness frequently has a ripple effect across the entire family group, affecting both the health of other family members and the quality of care they deliver. Family members and other providers often accept responsibility for the care of those with chronic health needs. Typically, they do this for emotional and economic reasons, not because they are proficient at, or feel comfortable with, the type of care required. They frequently expect or are expected to assume the role of caregiver without regard for the possible emotional, physical, and financial consequences. Both the objective and subjective caregiver burdens warrant consideration.
Objective burden refers to the caregiver's tasks or activities.
Subjective burden describes how caregivers feel about their roles. It is important to recognize that the relationship between the two may be incongruous. Caregivers often spend a disproportionate amount of their emotional, physical, or financial resources on the person requiring care. As time and illness progress, the responsibility may be met with decreasing enthusiasm, regardless of emotional relationships. An understanding of the caregiver's perception of the burden, its impact, and his or her willingness to accept help is essential to the evaluation process.