What is Carers Stress
Carers Stress of Caregivers Stress Syndrome is characterized by physical, mental and emotional
exhaustion. It typically results from a person neglecting their own physical and emotional health because
they are focused on caring for an ill, injured or disabled loved one.
Carers stress can develop from factors such as:
- constant demands of caring for a person who has a serious illness can result in burnout.
- the lack of boundaries between their roles as a caregiver and a spouse, child, or other loved one.
- unrealistic expectations on themselves, thinking that they can do it all and refusing to ask for help.
- frustrated by the overwhelming needs of their loved one, or the financial and other resources needed to care for someone with a long-term illness or disability.
Signs and symptoms a person is experiencing
caregiver stress could be:
- Feeling tired and run down.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Overreacting to minor nuisances.
- New or worsening health problems.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Feeling increasingly resentful.
- Drinking, smoking, or eating more.
- Neglecting responsibilities.
- Cutting back on leisure activities.
Signs and symptoms a person is experiencing
caregiver burnout could be:
- Much less energy than they once had.
- They catch every cold or bout of flu that’s going around.
- Constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break.
- They neglect their own needs, either because they’re too busy or don’t care anymore.
- Life revolves around caregiving, but it gives them little satisfaction.
- Trouble relaxing, even when help is available.
- They’re increasingly impatient and irritable with the person they’re caring for.
- Feeling helpless and hopeless.
What are in the impacts on the person being cared for
When a long term carer, especially if they are the main or only carer is affected by Caregivers Stress it has
significant and detrimental effects on the person being cared for as well as the carer themselves.
The impact on the person being cared for could be:
- They become withdrawn and scared to ask for anything.
- Care needs are not being met.
- General wellbeing and cleanliness is not being maintained.
- Unexplained increased instances of illness /medical needs related to their condition.
- Trying to manage their own care needs.
- Injuries / illness.
- Physical health deterioration.
- Mental health deterioration.
- Medication is not being taken regularly or on time.
- Missed health appointments.
- Scared of the caregiver.
What is domestic abuse
Anyone can experience domestic abuse no matter their age, race, sex, gender identity, sexuality, (dis)ability,
wealth, or lifestyle. A person can experience abuse from a partner or a former partner, in a heterosexual or
same-sex relationship, or from children or other family members.
Domestic abuse is behaviour that is intended to dominate, threaten, coerce and control someone else in an
intimate relationship. Domestic abuse is not only about violence and physical harm. It can include emotional,
psychological, sexual or financial abuse.
Forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called “honour”-based violence are also forms of domestic
abuse.
If someone is being abused, they may be experiencing some or all of the following:
- Mocking, humiliation, insults, criticism.
- Being checked up on, followed, or stalked.
- Pressure, threats, intimidation, or violence.
- Destruction of their possessions.
- Isolation from family and friends.
- Being forced into sex.
- Having money taken or controlled.
- Lying, blame and denial of the abuse.
For example, when a caregiver is abusing the person they care for, they may intentionally do some or all of
the following:
- Control the persons medication by over or under dosing them, especially around times when professionals may visit as this can change the way the person being abused presents themselves to others.
- Remove mobility aids / delay assistance e.g. toileting needs.
- Speak for the person they are abusing at appointments.
- Never leave the person alone with professionals, often referred to as an “ever present partner”
How the two can be confused
It can be hard to identify if someone is experiencing domestic abuse or if the carer is experiencing care
givers stress, especially when the person being cared for can not communicate or is never left alone.
Domestic abuse is about power and control and carers stress is not.
When experiencing carers stress carers lose their sense of feeling capable and feel powerless and
overwhelmed.
The person perpetrating the abuse does this for their own benefit and power and control over the person
they are abusing.
Next Steps
Identification of Carers Stress
- Make a referral to Nottingham City Council Access Duty Team for adults on 0300 1310 300 and select option 2 or email adult.contactteam@nottinghamcity.gov.uk if the person being cared for lives within the city boundaries.
- If they live within County boundaries call Nottinghamshire County Council on 0300 500 8080.
Identification of Domestic Abuse
- Complete a DASH RIC to identify the level of risk and refer accordingly.
- Support the person being cared for to access specialist Domestic Abuse Services
- Freephone 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 800 0340.
- Juno Women’s Aid – Female Survivors residing in Nottingham City of Nottinghamshire.
- County South (Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe).
- Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd – female survivors living in Nottinghamshire County North (Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood).
- Equation Domestic Abuse Service for male survivors - Freephone helpline on 0800 995 6999.
Not sure if it is Carers Stress or Domestic Abuse
- Raise your concerns within your agency either through your Safeguarding Lead or manager.
- Speak to other professionals that are involved with either the carer of the person being cared for to gain a better picture of circumstances.
- Question why things are happening, do not take at face value.
- Where possible speak to the person being cared for on their own in a safe space to better understand what is happening.
