Nearly one-third of adults living in Clackamas and Multnomah counties are family caregivers who could be at-risk for heart disease, diabetes, depression and other physical and emotional problems as a result of caregiver distress, a potentially dangerous condition brought on by the pressures of caring for a senior loved one.
Studies increasingly point to caregiving as a leading source of stress for families.
In fact, one U.S. study revealed that more than half of those caring for individuals with diseases, including cancer or Alzheimers, had scores indicating depression.
In response to this growing problem, the local Home Instead Senior Care office has launched a public awareness campaign Family Caregiver Stress Relief at FamilyCaregiverStressRelief.com to help family caregivers determine if they are at-risk before problems such as fatigue, loss of sleeping, depression or weight gain/loss escalate.
So many spouses and adult children are unaware of their potential risk of caregiver distress because they dont see themselves as caregivers, said Preston Roth, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care office. These new resources enable them to understand their role, the stresses they may face as a caregiver, and how that stress might lead to more serious health effects.
For more information about the services of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Clackamas and Multnomah counties call 503-335-0626 or visit www.homeinstead.com/289.