‘I don’t have a life’: The physical and emotional toll of caregiving for a loved one

The demanding nature of caregiving for a loved one is taking a significant physical and emotional toll, with researchers at Massey University now aiming to measure this impact. One 70-year-old woman, who cares for her mentally disabled husband alone, expressed the profound loss of self she experiences.

"I don't have a life anymore and no longer feel like an individual," she stated, encapsulating the sentiment of many who dedicate themselves to the care of others. This personal testimony highlights the deep personal sacrifices involved in caregiving, often leading to a neglect of one's own needs and identity.

The initiative by Massey University seeks to move beyond anecdotal evidence and quantify the burden carried by caregivers. By measuring the physical and emotional strain, the research hopes to shed light on the challenges faced by this often-overlooked population and potentially inform support systems.

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I don’t have a life any more and no longer feel like an individual.