Prolonged stress from caregiving can show up in a variety of ways: as headaches, body aches, insomnia, moodiness. It can lead to a lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, and create feelings of loneliness and isolation.
About 63 million Americans are currently serving as family caregivers, which equates to about 1 in 4 American adults. At an average age of 51, they’re juggling a lot — especially if they’re caring for both children and adults, and balancing all of that with work. It’s a recipe for burnout, putting caregivers at risk for mental and emotional stress, health issues, and financial burdens. But knowing how to navigate this phase can make all the difference.
Guest:
- Amy Brennan, executive director of the Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition
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