Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Topic Page:
Caregivers
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Caregiving has been called the fasted growing unpaid profession in the United States. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, during the past year more than 67 million Americans provided care to a family member, friend, or loved one, many of whom are suffering from different stages of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. With our population aging and the number of Alzheimer’s patients in this country predicted to steadily increase, the number of caregivers will have to increase as well. If you are not a caregiver already, the chances are high that you will become one at some point.
Caregiving can be exhausting and stressful, with caregivers often so busy caring for others that they neglect their own emotional and physical health. Studies that measure depression or distress in caregivers report that rates of these symptoms are two to three time higher among dementia caregivers than in the general population. Many caregivers report feeling physically exhausted, having difficulty sleeping, or lacking their normal level of energy.
At Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, you’ll find articles on: long-term care, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, aging and emotional health, practical strategies to cope with wandering, caregiving from afar, engaging your dementia patient, and much more.
