By Dr. Nur Nabila bt Abd Rahim / Associate Professor Dr. Rafdzah bt Ahmad Zaki

Globally, more and more people are living longer. Malaysia is facing a historically unprecedented trend in its demography. France took 115 years to move from an aging to an aged nation – but it will take Malaysia only 25 years to achieve the same. The National Health and Morbidity Survey for Elderly Health 2018 reported that 17.0% of older adults are dependent on others in for activities of daily living (ADL).

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an additional set of challenges for already overworked caregivers. A study in the USA reported that many caregivers experienced increases in caregiver burden since the start of the COVID-19 due to isolation, economic hardship, and uncertainty. Be on the alert for signs of caregiver stress and burnout:

– Withdrawal from family and friends'

– Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed;

– Irritability, hopelessness, and helplessness;

– Changes in appetite, weight, and/or sleep patterns;

– Falling sick more often;

– Emotional and physical exhaustion; and

– Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the care recipient.

"Burnout can lead to chronic stress and is detrimental to one's overall health. Their physical health can be affected when they do not get adequate rest and sleep, and the lack of time they have for themselves may lead to reduced exercise and improper intake of a well-balanced diet. Unfortunately, these put them at further risk of developing medical illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. Caring for older adults can also exhaust one's emotional and mental capabilities," clinical psychiatrist Dr. Fardia Mohd Zaffa explains.

Care-giving is a demanding endeavor that can affect even the most resilient person. It is important to take advantage of the resources available around you. Strategies to cope with caregiver burden include:

– Prioritize your physical and mental health needs. If you are unwell, you may not be able to care for your loved ones to the best of your ability. Aim to establish a good routine of quality sleep, balanced meals, and physical activities.

– Focus on the positive. It is normal to feel like you are not doing enough, but being realistic and accepting can instill a sense of calm and peace.

– Opt for help. When others offer help, take up on their offer. Realize that accepting help does not make one weak, but rather an act of self-reliance.

– Get connected. Care-giving services such as meal delivery and housekeeping will alleviate the burden you are facing.

– Join a support group. A caregivers group can provide practical guidance and emotional support. Support structures available in Malaysia include: 

a. Malaysian Mental Health Association's Caregiver and Peer Support Service

b. Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia's Caregivers' Support Network

c. National Cancer Society Malaysia's Peer Support Groups

d. Hospis Malaysia's Patient and Caregiver Resources

– Respite care. Relatives or friends are a great source of help. You may also consider seeking hired assistance to help with caring for the older adult.

When the going gets tough, it can help to remember that you are not alone. Do not hesitate to reach out for support when you need it – not just for the care recipient's benefit, but also your own.

(Dr. Nur Nabila bt Abd Rahim, Doctor of Public Health Candidate; Associate Professor Dr. Rafdzah bt Ahmad Zaki, Associate Professor of Epidemiology Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.)