Psychology 352: Discussion Board
Topic 5 DQ 1
In what way does chronic illness have an impact on patients, caregivers, and their families?
Chronic illness doesn’t just affect the person dealing with the condition—it impacts everyone
around them. For patients, it can mean a major shift in how they live day-to-day, from managing
symptoms and doctor visits to dealing with the emotional toll of being in pain or feeling like
they’ve lost their independence. It can wear you down physically and mentally (Mehdipanah et
al., 2023).
Caregivers often take on a huge load too. Whether it's helping with basic tasks, keeping up with
meds, or just being there emotionally, it can be exhausting. Many deal with burnout, stress, and
even health issues of their own from constantly putting someone else’s needs first (Lancashire et
al., 2023; Mehdipanah et al., 2023). Studies have shown that caregivers of individuals with
chronic illnesses are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life.
Families feel it too—emotionally and financially. Relationships can get strained, especially when
people don’t see eye to eye on how to help or cope. There might be added pressure if someone
has to miss work, juggle childcare, or cover medical costs. Chronic illness changes the whole
dynamic of a household, and everyone has to adjust in some way (Zhang et al., 2023).
References:
Lancashire, L., Biggar, V., Comer, M., Frangiosa, T., Gage, A., Paulsen, R., Roniger, A., &
Wolfe, J. (2023, July 3). Caring for dementia caregivers: Understanding caregiver stress during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, 9.
https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214231185664
Mehdipanah, R., Malvitz, M., Briceno, E. M., Chang, W., Lewandowski-Romps, L., Heeringa, S.
G., Zahuranec, D. B., Levine, D. A., Langa, K. M., Gonzales, X., Garcia, N. M., & Morgenstern,
L. B. (2023, December 25). Dementia caregiver burden and its toll on caregiver health.
Alzheimer's & Dementia, 19(S19), e077011. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.077011
Topic 5 DQ 1
In what way does chronic illness have an impact on patients, caregivers, and their families?
Chronic illness doesn’t just affect the person dealing with the condition—it impacts everyone
around them. For patients, it can mean a major shift in how they live day-to-day, from managing
symptoms and doctor visits to dealing with the emotional toll of being in pain or feeling like
they’ve lost their independence. It can wear you down physically and mentally (Mehdipanah et
al., 2023).
Caregivers often take on a huge load too. Whether it's helping with basic tasks, keeping up with
meds, or just being there emotionally, it can be exhausting. Many deal with burnout, stress, and
even health issues of their own from constantly putting someone else’s needs first (Lancashire et
al., 2023; Mehdipanah et al., 2023). Studies have shown that caregivers of individuals with
chronic illnesses are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life.
Families feel it too—emotionally and financially. Relationships can get strained, especially when
people don’t see eye to eye on how to help or cope. There might be added pressure if someone
has to miss work, juggle childcare, or cover medical costs. Chronic illness changes the whole
dynamic of a household, and everyone has to adjust in some way (Zhang et al., 2023).
References:
Lancashire, L., Biggar, V., Comer, M., Frangiosa, T., Gage, A., Paulsen, R., Roniger, A., &
Wolfe, J. (2023, July 3). Caring for dementia caregivers: Understanding caregiver stress during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, 9.
https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214231185664
Mehdipanah, R., Malvitz, M., Briceno, E. M., Chang, W., Lewandowski-Romps, L., Heeringa, S.
G., Zahuranec, D. B., Levine, D. A., Langa, K. M., Gonzales, X., Garcia, N. M., & Morgenstern,
L. B. (2023, December 25). Dementia caregiver burden and its toll on caregiver health.
Alzheimer's & Dementia, 19(S19), e077011. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.077011
