The hardest thing we have ever done - Palliative Care Australia

Table 4: Effects of caring on the physical health of carers *
Details of changesre/problems
Rating of present health and wellbeing as fair or poor
Caring has directly affected physical health
Tired/exhausted
Back/neck/shoulder problems
High blood pressure/heart problems
Reasons for effects on physical health attributed to caring
Constant pressure of caring
Stress
Disturbed/loss sleep
Lifting/pushing/supporting while walking
One or more injuries in the course of providing care
Recurrence/aggravation of injury by continuing care
Received no financial compensation for injury
Caring has directly affected energy levels
Not enough free time/rest
Lots/too much to do
High need/demanding care recipient
Number
669
861
438 (n= 803)
271 (n= 803)
101 (n= 803)
296 (n=717)
237 (n=717)
227 (n=717)
220 (n=717)
474
282 (n=471)
464 (n=488)
1085
471 (n=801)
312 (n=801)
125 (n=801)
Percent
46
59 (of those 95% affected to the worse)
55
34
13
41
33
32
31
33 (69% sprain/strain of joints/muscles)
60
98
75 (of those 94% affected to the worse)
59
39
16
Source: Information compiled from Carers Association Survey (Briggs & Fisher, 2000).
*most common responses.
Totals do not add up to 100% due to multiple responses.
n=1449 unless specified in the table.
18 THE HARDEST THING WE HAVE EVER DONE: The Social Impact of Caring for Terminally Ill People in Australia, 2004