Caregiving is rewarding but stressful

Caregiving can have many rewards. For most caregivers, caring for a loved one feels good. And it can make your relationship stronger.

But the demands of caregiving also cause emotional and physical stress. It's common to feel angry, frustrated, worn out or sad. And it's common to feel alone.

Caregiver stress can put caregivers at risk of changes in their own health. Factors that can increase caregiver stress include:

• Caring for a spouse.
• Living with the person who needs care.
• Caring for someone who needs constant care.
• Feeling alone.
• Feeling helpless or depressed.
• Having money problems.
• Spending many hours caregiving.
• Having too little guidance from health care professionals.
• Having no choice about being a caregiver.
• Not having good coping or problem-solving skills.
• Feeling the need to give care at all times.