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Updated June 08, 2015.
Family caregivers go through several caregiver transitions as loved ones become more ill. At the 2008 Rocky Mountain Geriatrics Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, Richard Schulz, Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, described the most common caregiver transitions, including which one is the most difficult for family caregivers:
- The first transition occurs when a family member starts helping a relative with instrumental activities of daily living, also known as IADLs, such as cooking, cleaning, and money management. It is during this first transition that family members become caregivers, although they may not identify themselves as caregivers yet.
- The second transition occurs when the caregiver begins helping the relative with activities of daily living, also known as ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and going to the bathroom. Family members are more likely to identify themselves as caregivers during this transition.
- The third transition occurs when the caregiver moves his loved one into a long-term care facility.
- The fourth transition occurs when the care recipient dies, and the family member's role as a caregiver comes to an end, although it may be difficult to let go of the role at this point.
According to Schulz's research, the second transition -- when caregivers begin helping their relatives with ADLs -- has the worst effect on caregiver health. This is not surprising, considering that this caregiver transition deals not only with the physical adjustment of having to provide hands-on care, but also with the emotional adjustment of watching one's relative slowly lose the ability to perform such personal tasks.
Source:
Schulz, R. (2008, September). Intervening to support caregivers of persons with dementia. Paper presentation at the 6th Annual Rocky Mountain Geriatrics Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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