The Impact of Caregiving on the Health and Quality of Life: A Comparative Population Based Study of Caregivers of Elderly Persons in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia
Ookubo Odion Patrick* and Ogbu JC
ABSTRACT
Caregiving is an important public health issue that affects the health and quality of life of millions of people living in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the world at large. The caregiver’s responsibilities may increase and change as the recipient’s needs increase, which can cause additional stress on the caregiver. Therefore, this study examines the impact of caregiving on the health and quality of life of caregivers of older adults in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The caregiving data presented in this study were collected from studies from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Carers in all 4 countries reported high levels of stress, low levels of health, depression, reduced incomes, difficulty making ends meet, social isolation, loneliness, and absenteeism from work. Caregivers sometimes had to leave the workforce altogether and this led to lower government revenue from income taxes. It is an established fact that a reduction in the workforce of a country often leads to a reduction in government revenue from income taxes.
Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that there should be an increase in messaging or information that emphasizes both the important role of caregivers and the importance of maintaining their health and wellbeing.
