Strike A Chord: Family Caregiving and Stress

Lincroft New Jersey resident Janine Triano was looking forward to being an empty nester and doing more stuff with her husband when her boys went off to college. But when Janine’s mother-in-law moved in with them three months ago after Janine's father-in-law passed away, things changed. Trips to the beach and restaurants soon gave way to a litany of new responsibilities. Janine says her first priority was making sure her mother-in-law, who was recovering from a stroke, received the care she needed. But:

"It does have a direct impact on you and your life and - your dynamic - and your relationship," said Janine.

When I asked Janine if being a family caregiver was just adding a few more things to the do list, she answered frankly:

"No. And it’s not just buying extra food. It’s a full - it’s another job. It is another job," Janine explained.

Dr. Jessica Zwerling with the Montefiore Center for the Aging Brain says caregiving is no different than any other full time job as far as stress goes. But it's a job you don't get paid for. And for poorer families like the ones she serves in the Bronx, this fact compounds the stress and anxiety caregivers have to bare. Zwerling says for most caregivers, rich and poor, stress often translates into physical ailments.

Zwerling said, “family caregivers are at a higher risk for coronary artery disease and hypertension. They may have slow wound healing or lower immune systems."

Janine Triano said that is certainly the case for her and her husband.

"There’s been a physical manifestation in my husband. His blood pressure has increased significantly. And he's been having heart issues. [Myself] I would say my blood pressure has increased," Janine lamented.

The expert advice for someone in the Triano's shoes - do everything you can to carve out time for leisure activities and breathe.