More than one in 10 Americans acts as an unpaid caregiver for an older friend or relative. Over the past three decades, thousands of studies have determined that this significant population is at risk of emotional and physical health consequences. In fact, poor caregiver health is one of the top reasons families seek assisted living.
If you care for an aging relative or spouse, be aware of the emotional and physical health consequences. Learn about health and stress concerns for family caregivers and resources to help you balance caregiving with your own well-being.
A day in life as a caregiver: Jim’s story
One morning, Jim Colozzo’s 79-year-old mother woke and couldn’t move her legs. Even though her prognosis was grim, Colozzo opted to bring his mom home instead of placing her in a senior living community. “Do you know what you’re in for?” a doctor asked him.