One of the most common problems with family caregivers is their own age and health. As people live longer, the problem becomes more and more acute.
The problems that can occur when older caregivers are taking care of loved ones are plentiful. None of these problems are more disconcerting than the health and wellbeing of the caregiver.
The responsibilities involved with caring for an elderly loved one can create a lot of emotional and physical strain. Caregiving requires a lot of intensive work and the person providing it has to make major time commitments, and has to be physically fit enough to assume the role.
A recent New York Times article, More Caregivers Are No Spring Chickens Themselves, offers great insight into this subject.