ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the process of adjusting and adapting to the role of caregiving. It begins by exploring the notion of stress from both individual and family perspectives with an overview of traditional stress and family stress theories. There are a number of theoretical frameworks that can provide a useful means of understanding the stress that results from caregiving. The chapter also explores notions of adapting and adjusting alongside connected theories, notably major family stress and adaptation models, such as the ABCX model and family adjustment and adaptation response (FAAR) model. It discusses concept of resilience, explaining why some family caregivers are more able to adapt and adjust to their caring role than others. The adjustment phase reflects perceived ability to maintain and perform family functions and effective communication when faced with stressors. Family adaptation is perhaps a more difficult concept to understand and has been explored by several researchers.
