Sharing the Mental Load of Caregiving

Supporting a family member or friend can be a rewarding experience — but it can also be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. Learn more about tools and resources available to caregivers.

First things first: Thank you. If you’re one of the more than 42 million Americans who provide unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older, you’ve taken on a tremendous responsibility. The value of what you’re doing cannot be overstated.

When it comes to caring for a loved one, every situation is different. Oftentimes, someone might not even realize they have a caregiver — or are one themselves.

But let’s take a step back and first ask: What is a caregiver?

A caregiver can be defined as someone who provides care to people who need some degree of ongoing assistance with everyday tasks on a regular or daily basis. A caregiver could be a spouse, partner, neighbor, child or other trusted person. Caregivers may be paid or unpaid.

Roles and responsibilities can range from making meals and helping with medications to money management and more. Caring for a loved one can be gradual, or it can happen suddenly after a health event like a fall or heart attack.

Are You a Caregiver?

Check the box if you regularly help someone in your life with any of the following:

If you checked any of the above, we’re here to support you with important caregiver information and resources.

The Impact on Caregivers

It’s important for those who are helping care for a loved one to know they are not alone. As of 2020, around 20% of Americans provided unpaid care to an adult with health or functional needs.

For many, helping care for a friend or family member can provide a sense of fulfillment and meaning. At the same time, it can be challenging and may lead to the caregiver not getting enough sleep, struggling financially, having trouble at work and more. That’s why it’s essential for those who are supporting loved ones to take time for themselves and be sure to ask for help. Caregivers need a support network, too.

Personal Wellness for Caregivers: Avoiding Burnout

If a caregiver doesn’t get the support they need, burnout can happen. Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned.

Factors that can lead to feelings of burnout include:

Being unsure of specific support roles
Expecting too much of yourself
Lacking necessary skills or resources
Getting unreasonable demands from the loved one you support or those around them
Experiencing physical fatigue, which can lead to a weaker immune system

Healthy steps to take that can help you avoid caregiver burnout:

Clearly define your role and the roles of others who help support your loved one
Set realistic goals
Find a confidant to talk to about feelings of frustration
Join a caregiver support group; some groups may provide care for your loved one while you attend
Set aside designated time for yourself to rejuvenate

Support For You, Dear Caregiver

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping you and your support network in your health journey. Part of that is helping you gain confidence through knowledge. When it comes to caregiving, having the right tools, resources, contacts and information can make a big difference.

Visit uhc.com/caregiving to find and share resources, including condition-specific guides for those who support someone with:

Alzheimer’s
Cancer
COPD
Depression
Disability
Heart disease
Hip and knee replacements
Rare diseases

Your plan website also offers similar educational resources.

Get educational resources

Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? The Alzheimer’s Association has resources to help.

Get Alzheimer's resources

Health Information Organizer

It can be tricky to juggle all of the moving pieces. Use this health organizer to help keep track of your loved one’s providers, medications and appointments.

To fill out your Health Information Organizer:

Click here, then select Download.
Go to your Downloads folder and open the file to type your information into the form.
Print copies for you and your caregivers.

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This publication is for informational purposes only and does not replace the care or advice of a doctor. Always talk with a doctor before beginning any exercise program, therapy or medication. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. UnitedHealthcare does not provide any assurances nor accept any responsibility or liability regarding the quality, nutritional value, or safety of the included recipes.