62.8 percent of family members who care for a loved one considers that this responsibility has affected their mental and physical well-being at some point, according to the "II Study of the Cinfa Observatory of Care. X-ray of family care in Spanish society", promoted by the pharmaceutical company.
The research, which has the backing of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG), has been carried out with a representative sample of more than 3,200 caregivers in Spain. This work is integrated into the laboratory initiative aimed at accompanying and supporting both patients and the family members who assume their care, through a platform intended to promote social studies, reflection and awareness about care.
In the first edition of the study it was already found that 58.2 percent saw this role as an expression of affection and that for 53.9 percent it was a personal decision. In this second installment, the focus is on the consequences of that role and on how it influences the social life of those who perform it. "We wish to know, from empathy and with an inclusive approach, how they feel at all levels and to what extent the caregiving experience has affected their daily life and health," explained the medical director of Grupo Cinfa and president of the Observatory, Dr. Alicia López de Ocáriz.
Among those who perceive an impact on their mental health, two out of three (66.1%) acknowledge suffering from stress and more than half (51.7%) say they suffer from anxiety. The report also points out that four out of ten (39.3%) report irritability and mood changes; one in three people (35.2%) refers to depression or sadness, and one in four (24.7%) declares difficulties concentrating.
On the physical level, the most common effects of the task of caring are tiredness or fatigue (69.8%), sleep problems (50.1%), muscle and/or joint pain (36.7%) and neglect of one's own appearance (27.9%). In addition, among those who consider that this responsibility has had an impact on their health, almost six out of ten (57.1%) have consulted or considered doing so with a health professional.
Emotional impact and need for support
The analysis "reflects how the responsibility of caring for an older family member who needs care leads the person who provides it, on occasions, to need it themselves", has pointed out the president of the SEGG, Dr. Francisco José Tarazona Santabalbina. In his view, this reality should invite reflection "on the important role they assume, on the recognition they deserve and on the resources that society should put within their reach".
The work also shows that 53.8 percent of caregivers perceive that their personal relationships have been conditioned by their dedication to caregiving. 88.9 percent say they have less time for leisure and their hobbies and 30.8 percent declare feeling more isolated or having broken ties with family and friends. Likewise, 20.9 percent state a loss of identity and autonomy, 17.6 percent feel social incomprehension and 17.2 percent, helplessness and loneliness.
To bear this burden, 35 percent turn to activities such as watching television, reading, browsing the Internet or using social networks to disconnect. 31.1 percent prefer to spend time with family and friends, while 30.9 percent choose to exercise or do some sport. Even so, 88 percent say they feel satisfied with the role they play, despite the impact it may have on their health and their social environment.
"Talking about family care is essential to recognize a hidden and deeply human reality", López de Ocáriz has emphasized, who concluded that "sharing their experiences allows empathy and social awareness to be generated". In many cases, "expressing what has been lived transforms the caregiving experience", he finished.