Caregiving responsibilities may result in physical, financial and emotional strain on the caregiver and the family. Stress can result in depression, anxiety and illness. While caregiving can be a successful and satisfying experience, it can sometimes be overwhelming. It is important for caregivers to take breaks and temporarily leave their caregiving responsibilities in other competent hands. Without that break, the loss of energy may create tension between the caregiver, the older adult, and other family members.
Many families caring for older persons develop a pattern over time.
This person becomes increasingly stressed and burdened. This can continue for a long time until the primary caregiver experiences a crisis. The caregiver could develop a network that includes support from both family and outside sources. Strategies for Employed Women Caregivers Families provide informal care for over 75 percent of frail older adults. Although men are assuming more caregiving responsibilities than previously, three-quarters of family caregivers are women.