Who Cares for the Caregiver? The Reality No One Wants to Talk About
In Massachusetts, caregivers—many of whom are Latino—face unprecedented levels of emotional, physical, and financial pressure.
Although their work sustains children, seniors, and people with disabilities, their burnout remains an invisible problem.
According to recent statistics:
- More than 70% of caregivers report symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- 53% state that the caregiving role affected their employment and working hours.
- 36% experience direct financial difficulties due to costs associated with care.
- 40% sleep less than 6 hours a day due to constant responsibility.
- Nearly half report physical pain, muscle problems, or chronic fatigue.
In the Latino community, these percentages are often higher due to:
- Cultural burdens,
- Fear of the system,
- Lack of support,
- Language difficulties,
- The belief that “the family must handle it alone.”
With this context, the following question arises:
What happens when the caregiver is so exhausted that they can no longer continue?
1. Being a Caregiver: An Invisible Job That Exhausts
Dr. Ferreras began by reminding the audience that caregiving is not always paid. And, even when it is, the emotional and physical burden can be immense.
She described how many people spend years—and even decades—caring for a loved one. These people have no rest, no support, and no knowledge of when the responsibility will end.
“Burnout makes you feel physically and mentally that you can’t go on anymore. It’s like carrying a stone that weighs on the body, but also on the mind.”
— Dr. María Ferreras
She explained that the exhaustion is not only reflected in a lack of energy. It can also cause depression, anxiety, frustration, sleep changes, irritability, and even physical illnesses.
2. What Makes a Caregiver Different? More Responsibility, Less Rest
Ferreras highlighted that those who care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia face additional difficulties, especially due to the behavioral changes linked to these conditions. In a revealing moment of the interview, she shared this example:
“A patient was caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s. One night she found her pouring detergent into the pot, believing it was oil… that’s when she understood she could never leave her alone again.”
— Dr. Ferreras
These situations demand being on high alert 24 hours a day, which accelerates the caregiver’s depletion.
3. Signs of Burnout That Should Not Be Ignored
Dr. Ferreras shared a list of signs indicating that the caregiver urgently needs help:
- Constant sadness or hopelessness
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Frequent irritability or anger
- Physical problems
- Isolation
- Feeling of losing identity outside the caregiver role
“When you don’t enjoy anything anymore, when your life revolves only around caregiving and you don’t see a way out, that is the moment to seek help.”
— Dr. María Ferreras
4. What the Caregiver Needs to Know
When is the right time to seek psychological help?
The moment you notice you are no longer the same person, when what you once enjoyed no longer interests you.
When you feel hopeless or when you feel that your life is reduced only to caregiving. That is the exact moment.
What to do when the caregiver feels obligated because they are a relative?
Many people continue caring because they feel guilty. They believe no one else will do it the same way.
But if exhaustion leads you to the hospital—which happens a lot—someone will have to replace you anyway.
Recognizing that you can no longer do it is an act of responsibility, not betrayal.
What happens if the family leaves the entire burden on the caregiver?
It is very common. Some think: that’s what they are paid for.
But no payment is worth your physical or mental health. If a situation puts your well-being at risk, that is not a healthy job.
5. The Impact on Mental and Physical Health
The psychologist explained that deteriorating mental health can trigger real physical problems:
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart problems
- Muscle aches
- Low immunity
“If the brain is not well, the body will not be well either.”
— Dr. Ferreras
This phrase, repeated during the interview, underscores the need to invest in mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.
6. What Can a Caregiver Do TODAY to Start Feeling Better?
Based on the interview and Dr. Ferreras’s clinical experience, here are the most important steps:
- Seek professional help: When the caregiver loses interest in everything they used to enjoy, it is time to seek professional support.
- Acknowledge that you cannot do it alone: Accept that the body and mind have limits.
- Take scheduled breaks: Breathe, go for a walk, delegate tasks, even if only for an hour.
- Communicate with the family: The burden of care must be distributed to prevent a single person from burning out.
- Look for available services: State programs like PCA, AFC, respite care, and support from care agencies.
7. Resources for Caregivers in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, there are important resources that can alleviate the caregiver’s burden. Here is a brief guide for the community:
- PCA (Personal Care Assistant)
- MassHealth program that allows a person with a disability or chronic illness to receive daily assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, or moving.
- MassHealth – 1-800-841-2900.
- AFC (Adult Foster Care / Adult Family Care)
- Offers support to people who need daily supervision and assistance within the home. The caregiver receives a stipend and nursing support.
- Caregivers Program – 888-628-6885.
- Respite Care (Relief Care)
- Service that allows the caregiver to take breaks while a professional temporarily cares for their loved one.
- MassOptions – 1-800-243-4636.
- Home Care Agencies
- Provide personal assistance, companionship, supervision, and support for older adults or people with special needs.
- Where to look: Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts and local aging centers.
- Therapy and Counseling in Spanish
- Programs that offer emotional support and therapy for caregivers in their language.
- Where to look: Community clinics, state programs, and centers like Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center.
- Support Groups for Caregivers
- Spaces to share experiences, receive guidance, and reduce isolation.
- Where to look: MassOptions, community organizations, and mental health centers.
“You can self-refer; you don’t need a doctor to ask for help. Mental health is essential.”
— Dr. María Ferreras
Caregiver burnout is a reality affecting thousands of Latino families in Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, it is rarely discussed with honesty and depth.
Dr. María Ferreras, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, leads Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center, a clinic that serves the Hispanic community with cultural sensitivity, services in Spanish, and mental health specialists.
