The Impact of Caregiving on Relationships – Charlotte Today

caregiving

Caregiving and Relationships – It’s Complicated

University of Washington research shows that March and August are months when divorce filings peak.  But online searches for “divorce” surge earlier in the year. Caregivers are particularly susceptible with 80% percent reporting strain on their relationships. Estimatesof the divorce rate for couples in which one spouse has a serious chronic illness is as high as 75 percent. Can caregivers maintain healthy relationships with their spouses? Yes, with these strategies.

First, you have to understand that there are two types of caregiving scenarios taking place. In one scenario, you and I may be taking care of mom and dad and the relationship between husband and wife can suffer. In the second scenario, a spouse can be caring for the other spouse with a chronic condition or dementia. Each has their own issues.