Step 2

Step 2

Complete the validated assessment

 

The Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS) allows family caregivers to express the level of stress that they are experiencing.* 

The scale can be used to monitor change in an individual caregiver’s stress over time – that’s why it is important to return to the Caregiver Self-Care Plan website regularly.

Some people report feelings of stress surrounding certain aspects of caregiving. To what extent, if any, do these apply to you in your role as caregiver to your spouse or relative? 

Using a 5-point rating scale, where 1 equals no stress and 5 equals extreme stress, indicate the extent of the stress or frustration you feel surrounding the following issues.

 

To what extent are you feeling...

1

NO stress

(Coping fine, no problems)

2

Some stress

3

Moderate stress

4

A lot of stress

5

Extreme stress

(Health at risk, feeling at "end of rope")

Caregiving Issues

Are you having feelings of being overwhelmed, overworked, and/or overburdened?

Has there been a change in your relationship with your spouse/relative?

Have you noticed any changes in your social life?

Are you having any conflicts with your previous daily commitments? (e.g., work/volunteering)

Do you have feelings of being confined or trapped by the responsibilities or demands of caregiving?

Do you ever have feelings related to a lack of confidence in your ability to provide care?

Do you have concerns regarding the future care needs of your spouse/relative?

Family Issues

Are you having any conflicts within your family over care decisions?

Are you having any conflicts within your family over the amount of support you are receiving in providing care?

Financial Issues

Are you having any financial difficulties associated with caregiving?

Please complete the assessment above before proceeding.

Adapted from Kingston Scales Institute – Assessment of Caregiver Stress

*While the KCSS was designed for caregivers of seniors with dementia, it has reportedly been used with a variety of caregiver groups; and has consistently been found to be sufficiently robust to speak to the issues relevant to caregiving more generally.