Caregiver Stress Test

Here is something that the AMA put out (American Medical Assocation). After you've scored yourself, if you want to make changes in your life, read the earlier posts on stress, or send me an email.

Caregiver self-assessment questionnaire

HOW ARE YOU?

Caregivers are often so concerned with caring for their relative’s needs that they lose sight of their own well-being. Please take just a moment to answer the following questions. Once you have answered the questions, continue scrolling down to do a self-evaluation.

Answer the following questions yes or no.

During the past week or so, I have ...

1. Had trouble keeping my mind on what I was doing?

2. Felt that I couldn’t leave my relative alone?

3. Had difficulty making decisions?

4. Felt completely overwhelmed?

5. Felt useful and needed?

6. Felt lonely?

7. Been upset that my relative has changed so much from his/her former self?

8. Felt a loss of privacy and/or personal time?

9. Been edgy or irritable?

10. Had sleep disturbed because of caring for my relative?

11. Had a cry spell(s)

12. Felt strained between work and family responsibilities?

13. Had back pain?

14. Felt ill (headaches, stomach problems or common cold)?

15. Been satisfied with the support my family has given me?

16. Found my relatives living situation to be inconvenient or a barrier to care?


On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “not stressful” to 10 being “extremely stressful”
Please rate your current level of stress

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “very healthy” to 10 being “very ill”
Please rate your current health compared to what it was this time last year


Self-evaluation

To determine the score:

1. Reverse score questions 5 and 15.
(For example, a “No” response should be counted as “Yes” and a “Yes” response should be counted as “No.”)

2. Total the number of “yes” responses.


To interpret the score
Chances are that you are experiencing a high degree of distress:

• If you answered “Yes” to either or both questions 4 and 11; or

• If your total “Yes” score = 10 or more; or

• If your score on question 17 is 6 or higher; or

• If your score on question 18 is 6 or higher

Next steps

• Consider seeing a doctor for a check-up for yourself

• Consider having some relief from caregiving
(Discuss with the doctor or a social worker the resources available in your community.)

• Consider joining a support group

Valuable resources for caregivers

Eldercare Locator
(a national directory of community services)
(800) 677-1116
www.eldercare.gov

Family Caregiver Alliance
(415) 434-3388
www.caregiver.org

Medicare Hotline
(800) 633-4227
www.medicare.gov

National Alliance for Caregiving
(301) 718-8444
www.caregiving.org

National Family Caregivers Association
(800) 896-3650
www.nfcacares.org

National Information Center for Children and
Youth with Disabilities
(800) 695-0285
www.nichcy.org