A new study explores ways to potentially reduce the stress levels of family caregivers. Family caregivers who receive better primary care from their doctors exhibit lower levels of stress related to giving care, according to a release from the University of Tsukuba in Japan.
There are an estimated 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. This group experiences greater physical and psychological stress than noncaregivers, and the financial burden of caring for a loved one can amount to more than $7,000 out of pocket each year. In addition, this group is more likely to experience food or housing insecurity, as well as transportation challenges.
The new study sampled more than 400 family caregivers who also received care from a doctor. The researchers found a correlation between the quality of care received by family caregivers and the level of stress they experience related to giving care to a family member.
“Quality of care” was measured by two variables. The first is longitudinality, defined as “attention on the individual as a whole person,” or the doctor’s ability to provide holistic care. The second is comprehensiveness, or the strength of the doctor-patient relationship which facilitates consultations. The study found that better scores in longitudinality and comprehensiveness were significantly correlated with lower stress levels.
Additionally, the study found that physicians may “naturally engage in conversations regarding caregiving,” which can be emotionally supportive for family caregivers. One study cited by the researchers found that general practitioners were an approachable and knowledgeable source of care-related information for caregivers, producing a similar effect.
Though the help of doctors is significant, it was not enough to eliminate family caregivers’ stress. The study recommends an approach that combines care from a doctor with “advice by the physician about local support and assistance services in providing care.”
“There is no doubt that the role of primary care physicians, working simultaneously with other services, is essential in supporting family caregivers,” the researchers said in their discussion.
