Active and regular participation of family caregivers during all phases of life is crucial in the overall wellness of someone with disability, most especially emotionally.
Caregiving roles can be burdensome and stressful. It can create physical strain over time, and at risk of developing emotional and psychological distress, affecting the dynamics in the family or even between support staff and clients. Caregivers may also neglect their healthcare needs to assist the family member who needs their help.
The severity of the disability is not the main predictor of stress in the family, but the degree of negative perception held on the perceived stress. For instance, caregivers tend to think and consider the suffering of a family member with a disability. This is influenced by the negative attitude of other people toward physical disabilities. They are concerned that the family member with a physical disability may not be accepted in society, causing additional worries and stress in the family.
Ways to improve family relationships
- Practice regular communication to avoid misunderstandings.
- Validate and normalise feelings or thoughts.
- Learn common problems and challenges in caring for people with disabilities and identify appropriate interventions to relieve stress among family caregivers.
- Understand the different caregiving experiences and address the needs to lessen frustrations and negative health effects on the caregiver and the care recipient.
- Use problem-focused coping such as directly managing the stressor to improve family adjustment.
- Increase psychological acceptance of the situation to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Emphasise personal growth and have organised routines.
- Join support groups to learn positive coping skills and stress management techniques, and receive peer support.
Despite the intense demands of caring for people with disabilities, family caregivers express positive aspects of the experience. They report feeling good about caregiving because it makes them feel needed, giving meaning to their lives. It also enables them to learn new skills and strengthen their relationships with others. Changing the negative perceptions on stressors and highlighting the positive effects of caring for family members can improve family relationships.
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REFERENCES: Darling, C. A., Senatore, N., & Strachan, J. (2012). Fathers of children with disabilities: stress and life satisfaction. Stress and health, 28(4), 269-278.
Hung, J. W., Wu, Y. H., Chiang, Y. C., Wu, W. C., & Yeh, C. H. (2010). Mental health of parents having children with physical disabilities. Chang Gung Med J, 33(1), 82-91.
Schulz, R., & Sherwood, P. R. (2008). Physical and mental health effects of family caregiving. Journal of Social Work Education, 44(sup3), 105-113.
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