#035- November is National Caregiver Month, but I really think this entire year should be dedicated to caregivers for all that they have been through during COVID. 

In today’s episode, I share statistics about the toll of caregiving during COVID and 5 self-care strategies for caregivers during COVID. 

Family caregivers during COVID are more stressed and overwhelmed than ever before and here are some reasons why:

• Approximately 61% of caregivers are employed while caregiving. Of these caregivers, 60% work 40 or more hours a week and another 15% work 30-39 hours per week. 
• Caregiving resources during COVID have been limited. Many resources that caregivers rely on like senior centers and adult day programs have been (and remain closed) for several months.
• Caregivers may not be comfortable with home health aides coming into the home for fear of exposure to COVID, so have cancelled home health aide assistance, and as a result are providing many of the more challenging tasks, like toileting, grooming, bathing, etc. 
• With changes in routines and social interaction being limited, the person receiving care is more likely to decline in mental and physical health. And if you’re caring for someone with dementia, there may be more episodes of agitation and other behavioral challenges. 
• People who require caregiving are likely to have medical vulnerabilities making them more susceptible to COVID, which comes with a host of anxiety and lots of fear and uncertainty related to exposure to COVID.
  
  

 All together, this means that caregivers have more caregiving tasks, more stress and worry, fewer community resources needed to care for their loved one, and don’t have the breaks from caregiving that are essential to maintaining health and wellness.

Listen to the episode to learn the startling statistics of the toll of COVID on caregivers and essential self-care strategies.

Work with me! Discover training and education programs for mental health and senior care providers

Click here for the show notes

Rate and Review Psychology of Aging Podcast with Dr. Regina Koepp

If you're on Apple Podcasts, help me help others by rating and reviewing my show. Reviews let others- just like you- care for the older adults in their lives.

It's simple:
1. Just click here
2. Scroll down to "Ratings and Reviews" 
3. Tap or click "Write a Review"

I read them all. Thank you!

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits