The experience of caring for a relative or partner is just as unique as the people involved. Each caregiver will likely have different needs, feelings, challenges, and things he or she finds rewarding. Research shows caregiving experiences can be grouped into six broad categories:
• Caregivers who are comfortable with what they are doing and just want information to help them plan for the future.
• Others who experience high levels of distress, but who are very committed, and do not intend to give up current caregiving activities.
• People who feel very overwhelmed by the things they are now doing for their partner and feel as if they can not continue in the caregiver role much longer.
• Caregivers whose relationship with their partner is problematic because they are distressed by the changes in his or her behavior and abilities, and/or past relationship issues.
• Others who are comfortable with their relationship and role as a caregiver and understand their partner's overall care needs but who are overwhelmed are are trying to juggle caregiving activities with other daily responsibilities of a job, raising a family, etc.
• People who experience high levels of anxiety or stress due to things other than their caregiving activities, such as problems at work or in relationships with other people.
For more information, visit: http://www.extension.org/pages/Caregiving_Is_Different_for_Everyone.
