Caregiver Stress Check & Support Plan
A caregiver worksheet checking common signs of caregiver stress and planning help to request, breaks, things to let go of and needed services.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Caregiver support
- Approach / concern
- Life Transitions
- Technique
- Caregiver support
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Caregiver Stress Check & Support Plan?
Caregiver burden refers to the physical, emotional, social and financial strain of caring for a family member or friend with illness, disability or ageing-related needs. Support planning helps caregivers sustain their own health.
Why it works
Zarit et al. (1980) identified correlates of caregiver burden, leading to widely used burden measures. A meta-analysis found caregivers have higher depression and stress and poorer physical health than non-caregivers (Pinquart & Sörensen, 2003).
When to use it
- Family caregivers of people with dementia, illness or disability
- Parents of children with complex needs
- Caregiver burnout
- Grief and anticipatory grief
How to use it in session
- Normalize caregiver strain.
- Complete the stress check.
- Identify concrete help and breaks.
- Let go of non-essentials.
- Connect to services and respite.
Clinician tips
- Validate ambivalence and guilt.
- Know local respite and caregiver resources.
- Screen for depression in caregivers.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to feel resentful as a caregiver?
Yes. Mixed feelings including resentment and guilt are common and don’t mean you care less.
Where can caregivers get support in Canada?
Provincial caregiver organizations, home care services and community agencies offer resources and respite.
References
Zarit, S. H., Reever, K. E., & Bach-Peterson, J. (1980). Relatives of the impaired elderly: Correlates of feelings of burden. The Gerontologist, 20(6), 649-655.
Pinquart, M., & Sörensen, S. (2003). Differences between caregivers and noncaregivers in psychological health and physical health: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 18(2), 250-267.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
