Stress Test

 

 

Caregivers are usually so involved in caring for the needs of their loved ones that they can easily lose sight of their own needs. To get a better idea of the level of stress you are dealing with as a primary caregiver, please answer the following questions as honestly as possible. Taking this test periodically as you are caring for your loved one will also help you to recognize changing stress levels which can be addressed before feeling too overwhelmed.

 

 

Physical Health		Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Frequently
Have you noticed that your own health is suffering or that you are getting ill more frequently?
Have you noticed a disturbance in your sleep patterns because of the care you provide for your loved one?
Do you feel physically exhausted by the amount of care your loved one needs?
Have you had difficulty keeping your mind focused on what you are doing?
Social Relationships		Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Frequently
Do your family members or friends say you seem stressed out?
Is your caregiving taking a toll on your job?
Is your caregiving taking a toll on your family life?
Do you feel that your social life has suffered because you are caring for a loved one?
Do you feel you need more support from family members with your caregiving?
Do you feel that your caregiving efforts are not appreciated enough by your loved one or family members?
Personal Demands		Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Frequently
Do you feel that the amount of care your loved one requires is too overwhelming?
Do you feel like you are "missing out on life" or that "life is passing you by"?
Do you feel that your loved one is completely dependent upon you?
Do you worry that you should be doing a better job in caring for your loved one?
Do you think about leaving the care of your loved one to someone else?
Emotional Well-Being		Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Frequently
Have you felt that you don’t have enough time for yourself because of the time you spend with your loved one?
Do you feel that you don’t have as much privacy as you’d like because of your loved one?
Do you feel emotionally drained by the care you provide?
Do you ever feel embarrassed by the behavior of your loved one?
Do you resent or feel angry having to care for this loved one?