Let’s be
real about caregiving. Some caregivers feel depressed, guilty, and trapped in a
hole with no way out, except the death of persons in their care. Maybe they
were the only siblings living near the parents, the only relatives or friends
with resources to provide care, or the only persons willing to step up when
others refused. Whatever their reasons, they became caregivers reluctantly, never
fully embracing the responsibility, and made the most of the situation. If they
had a choice, would they do it again? Some say they would not.
In a study
reported in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, factors associated with an unwillingness to
become caregivers again were reviewed. Former caregivers of palliative care
patients were interviewed. Comparisons between those who would do caregiving
again and those who would not were made with these results:
1)
One in 13 (7.4%) former
caregivers indicated that they would not provide such care again.
2)
One in six (16.5%) would
only "probably care again."
3)
Increasing age
lessens the willingness to care again and so does lower levels of education.
4)
Despite most active
caregivers being willing to provide care again, a
proportion would
not.
This video about relieving stress while caring for an aging parent or spouse presents ways for caregivers to cope.
Frances
Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer
in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book
editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
