ADSNAC: How We Help: Caregiver Stress Test

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Caregiver Stress Test

This checklist was originally developed by Mark Noval and Carol Guest, and revised by Dale Lund, Ph.D. & Scott Wright, Ph.D. of the University of Utah Gerontology Center. It is designed to assess the physical and emotional effects of caregiving.

After each question, rate your response according to the scale below. Then, add them up for a total score.

0 for Never, 1 for Rarely, 2 for Sometimes, 3 for Quite Frequently, or 4 for Nearly Always.

Time Dependency Items

1. S/he needs my help to perform many daily tasks.

2. S/he is dependent on me.

3. I have to watch him/her constantly.

4. I have to help him/her with many basic functions.

5. I don't have a minute's break from his/her chores.

Development Items

1. I feel that I am missing out on life.

2. I wish I could escape from this situation.

3. My social life has suffered.

4. I feel emotionally drained due to caring for him/her.

5. I expected that things would be different at this point in my life.

Physical Health Items

1. I'm not getting enough sleep.

2. My health has suffered.

3. Caregiving has made me physically sick.

4. I'm physically tired.

Social Relationships Items

1. I don't get along with other family members as well as I used to.

2. My caregiving efforts aren't appreciated by others in my family.

3. I've had problems with my marriage or other significant relationship.

4. I don't get along as well as I used to with others.

5. I feel resentful of other relatives who could, but do not, help.

Emotional Health Items

1. I feel embarrassed over his/her behavior.

2. I feel ashamed of him/her.

3. I resent him/her.

4. I feel uncomfortable when I have friends over.

5. I feel angry about my interactions with him/her.

The authors of the Caregiver Stress Scale strongly suggest that:

You use respite and other services if your score is near or above 36.
You check and see if you answered any question with a 3 or 4. Think about why you scored so high on the question and how you might reduce the stress you are experiencing.

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