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Caring for a Family Member with a Disability
or an Illness
Taking care of a family member with a disability or serious illness
is one of the most difficult types of chronic stress. Caregivers often feel
frustrated and overwhelmed. They often can’t take a break from pro-
viding care without having to find a replacement. Perhaps most stress-
ful of all is being the caretaker of an Alzheimer’s patient who can’t
connect with you in a meaningful way. Many studies show this chroni-
cally stressed population is susceptible to impaired immunity and
inflammation. Seeing your role as meaningful or chosen can be a pro-
tective factor, however. For example, choosing to care for someone out
of love for the person or because loyalty and compassion are important
values for you can buffer you against feeling stressed.
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