More than half of caregivers report being less effective during the coronavirus than usual, and almost 80% say the pandemic has had a negative impact on the person they care for, according to a survey by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
“Everyone is more stressed out in the home,” one caregiver is quoted as saying in the survey’s results. “This leads to an overwhelming burden placed on my shoulders. As well, I have to hold it in and keep smiling, raising morale in the home, keeping my veteran and children happy and calm in this crisis.”
About half of the respondents without children in the home said the crisis has had a negative financial impact. For caregiver households with children, 70% reported a negative financial impact.
Caregiver homes with children also were more likely to say they have immediate needs, such as social support, mental health services, delivery of necessities or financial support.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation includes tips for caregivers on its COVID-19 Hidden Heroes Resource Hub.
Photo by EJ Hersom // DOD
