Caregivers, Stress and

This article synthesizes current research on how provision of care to disabled older adults (often by family members) results in stress. Following a review of burden (the emotional, psychological, physical, and financial challenges assumed by caregivers), multidimensional models of caregiving stress are described. Recent efforts to expand conceptualizations of caregiver stress over time from wear and tear to adaptation are also considered. This article concludes with a discussion of clinical intervention strategies designed to reduce stress among caregivers of chronically disabled older adults. © 2007