Consequences of different types of informal caregiving for mental, self-rated, and physical health: longitudinal findings from the German Ageing Survey.

The results of this study indicate that the impact of care on health differs. First, it differs in dependence on the health outcome focused; only mental and self-rated health are negatively associated with care. Second, the impact depends on the caregiving type performed. This knowledge might help to develop support options which are specific to the caregiving type and the health aspects in order to reduce negative health consequences.