ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the consequences of caregiving both as a negative and as a positive phenomenon, in an effort to provide a balanced understanding of the impact of caregiving on families and carers. It begins with the adverse effects of caregiving and effects on the physical health of both caregivers and care recipients. The chapter explores the positive impact of caregiving, focusing on the conceptual issues of adversarial growth and post-traumatic growth (PTG) and finding meaning through caregiving. The effects of caregiving on physical health have received less attention than the effects on psychological health. Most human beings seek company or relationships in their lives. This social engagement for many provides support, a sense of belonging and contributes to feelings of happiness and contentment. One of the most studied areas of caregiving is the overall burden that the stress places on the family as a whole. Screening, assessing and monitoring levels of caregiver burden are crucial.
