Mental Health: Key Stressors among Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities
This article explores the different types of caregivers, and the major mental health key stressors concerns by caregivers for persons with disabilities
A stressed caregiver and an equally stressed old woman with disability (Copilot)
Caregiving for persons with disabilities is a rewarding which is often filled with emotional, physical, and mental demands. This can take a toll on caregivers’ health and quality of life.
This article explores the different types of caregivers, and the major mental health key stressors concerns by caregivers for persons with disabilities, shedding light on the complexities of their role and the need for comprehensive support systems.
Types of Caregivers
Caregivers for persons with disabilities can be categorized into various types based on their role, relationship with the person they care for, and the nature of the care provided. Here are the key types:
- Family Caregivers
Typically, parents, spouses, siblings, or other relatives who provide care for their loved ones with disabilities. They offer emotional, physical, and sometimes financial support.
- Professional Caregivers
These are trained individuals employed to provide care, such as nurses, therapists, or personal care assistants. They often work in homes, hospitals, or specialized care facilities.
- Informal Caregivers
Friends, neighbours, or community members who step in to provide assistance without formal training or compensation, helping with daily activities and emotional support.
- Live-in Caregivers
Caregivers who reside with the person they care for, offering around-the-clock assistance with personal needs and daily tasks.
- Respite Caregivers
These are temporary caregivers who provide short-term relief to the primary caregiver, allowing them to take a break or focus on other responsibilities.
- Specialized Caregivers
Caregivers with specific expertise or training in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, who assist with particular needs related to the person’s disability.
- Community-Based Caregivers
Individuals or organizations within the community who offer care services through local systems, religious groups, or disability advocacy programs, often focusing on promoting inclusion and social support.
- Paraprofessional Caregivers
These are caregivers with formal but non-licensed training (e.g., certified assistants, home aides) who provide basic care, such as hygiene assistance, feeding, and mobility support.
Key stressors Among Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities
Understanding the key stressors that affect them is essential for developing interventions and policies that not only support persons with disabilities but also the caregivers who play such a vital role in their lives.
The focus here is mainly the family, informal and live-in caregivers but the stressors highlighted are broad. Here are the main stressors for caregivers of persons with disabilities,
1. Financial Burden
- Medical and Assistive Equipment Costs: Caregivers often incur expenses for medical treatments, therapies, mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, prosthetics), and specialized equipment, which can strain household finances.
- Loss of Income: Many caregivers reduce their working hours or leave employment to provide full-time care, leading to decreased household income and economic instability.
- Household Modifications: Adapting living spaces to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities (e.g., ramps, accessible bathrooms) involves additional financial costs.
2. Emotional and Psychological Stress
- Chronic Caregiving Demands: The continuous and intensive nature of caregiving for individuals with disabilities can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Emotional Toll of Disability: Witnessing the daily struggles and limitations faced by loved ones with disabilities can be emotionally draining and may result in feelings of helplessness or sadness.
- Behavioural Challenges: Managing challenging behaviours, especially in caregivers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, can increase emotional strain.
3. Physical Health Challenges
- Physical Strain: Assisting with mobility, personal care, and other physical tasks can lead to musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, and other health issues.
- Neglect of Personal Health: Caregivers may neglect their own health needs, skipping medical appointments or foregoing self-care due to time constraints and caregiving responsibilities.
4. Social Isolation
- Limited Social Interaction: The demanding nature of caregiving limits opportunities for social activities, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Stigma and Discrimination: Caregivers and their family members may face societal stigma related to disabilities, further isolating them from their communities and support networks.
5. Lack of Support Systems
- Inadequate Access to Respite Care: Limited availability of respite services forces caregivers to provide continuous care without breaks, increasing burnout risk.
- Insufficient Training and Resources: Many caregivers lack formal training in disability care, leading to feelings of inadequacy and increased stress.
- Limited Access to Information: Difficulty in accessing information about available services, rights, and support mechanisms exacerbates caregiving challenges.
6. Navigating Healthcare and Social Services
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: Dealing with healthcare providers, social services, and disability support systems can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
- Complexity of Services: Understanding and accessing the various services and benefits available for persons with disabilities can be confusing and frustrating.
7. Cultural and Societal Expectations
- Gender Roles: In Kenyan society, caregiving is often viewed as a female responsibility, placing additional pressure on women who may already juggle multiple roles.
- Family Obligations: The expectation to care for family members with disabilities can conflict with personal aspirations, career goals, and other familial responsibilities, adding to the stress.
8. Educational and Developmental Concerns
- Balancing Education and Care: Caregivers of children with disabilities may struggle to balance their caregiving duties with ensuring their children receive appropriate education and developmental support.
- Advocacy for Rights: Constantly advocating for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities requires significant emotional and mental energy.
Now that we have identified the main stressors of caregiving work what are the solutions to ensuring that caregivers work does not take a toll on them? Next, we will look at how to maintain good mental health as a caregiver of a person with disability.
Article by: Maryanne Emomeri