Home caregivers: Ask about hidden risks

A new patient questionnaire helps uncover the burnout, depression and personal neglect suffered by those who provide care for elderly or chronically ill patients at home.

Editorial. July 9/16, 2001.

The aging of America's population brings with it new responsibilities for both physicians and for the families of the elderly and the chronically ill. Rapidly growing numbers of Americans now are dependent in whole or in part on family members or friends to provide necessary care, and the burdens on these caregivers are leading to a variety of health problems for the caregivers themselves.

The statistics are compelling. A recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP, indicates that there are approximately 22 million adult caregivers in the United States. In other words, one in every four households is involved in caring for a chronically ill or disabled family member or friend. Nearly three-fourths of the caregivers are women.

By the very nature of their roles, most of these caregivers are in frequent contact with physicians and other health care professionals regarding the needs of their loved ones. But many of them pay little or no attention to their own health needs. Despite research showing that caregivers bear an increased risk of illness and death, physicians and caregivers alike tend to ignore these health care risks.

To address this distressing reality, the AMA has developed a packet of materials that physicians may utilize to assure that the health care needs of caregiver are being addressed. The packets' main feature is a caregiver self-assessment questionnaire -- also available in Spanish -- that invites participation with the simple phrase, "How are you?" [...]