The impact of caregiving

Caregiving for someone with dementia is a commitment that changes over the course of the disease — requiring more time, skills, decision-making and patience. The nature and quality of the relationship between the caregiver and the care recipient also changes over time. And you may experience the grief of losing your companion or friend even while still providing care.

The expectations and stresses of caregiving can have a notable effect on your own physical and mental health. The impact of caregiving can increase the risk of:

• Depression
• Loneliness
• Disrupted or poor sleep
• Poor diet and exercise habits
• Increased blood pressure, cholesterol or other cardiovascular risk factors
• Declining health
• Declining quality of life