The Clinical Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for HIV/AIDS

A Clinical Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for HIV/AIDS • Chapter 20: Care for the CaregiverTable 20-1: Common Signs of StressPhysical Psychological Behavioral26 picas• Backaches • Anger and frustration • Emotional outbursts• Change in eating patterns • Loss of self-confidence • Withdrawal from friendsand self-esteemand family• Diarrhea • Loss of interest in and • Loss of punctuality andcommitment to workneglect of duty• Elevated blood pressure • Feelings of inadequacy, • Decrease in judgmentalhelplessness, and guiltability• Fatigue • Feelings of restlessness • Inability to focuson tasks• Gastrointestinal problems • Depression • Tearfulness• Headaches • Sense of being over- • Increased use of alcoholwhelmed or overloaded or other drugs• Insomnia • Mood swings • Difficulty gettingalong with people• Muscle tension • Sense of failure • Impaired workperformance• Weight loss • Anxiety about the future • Resistance to changeRewards of CaregivingAlthough studies of caregiving tend to focus on the “burden” of caring, there also are manyrewards. When asked about the positive aspects of providing HIV/AIDS care, informal caregiverscite opportunities to:25, 46• Bring mission and purpose to one’s life12, 37• Develop empathy and self-knowledge• Gain a sense of personal effectiveness by demonstrating competence under25, 37very difficult circumstances• Experience the positive feelings associated with loving, caring, and feeling24, 37neededOne study suggests that helping caregivers define the meaningful and valued aspects of theirroles and become more attuned to “brief human moments” that create positive feelings canenhance both physical and psychological well-being. 24414U.S. Department of Health and Human Services • Health Resources and Services Administration • HIV/AIDS Bureau