Caregiver Burden Score

This assessment is adapted from the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the most widely validated tool for measuring caregiver burden. Each question is scored 0-4 (Never to Nearly Always), giving a total of 0-48.

Questions are grouped into three domains:

• Emotional (Qs 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12): Stress, anger, guilt, overwhelm - scored 0-20 (Qs 1,4,7,8,12 = 5 Qs x 4, Q6 x 4)
• Social (Qs 2, 9, 10, 11): Health impact, social life, control, escape - scored 0-16
• Personal (Qs 3, 5): Time, uncertainty - scored 0-8 (2 Qs x 4 each)

Note: This is a self-assessment screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. If you score in the Moderate or High range, speaking with a healthcare provider or counsellor is strongly recommended.

Caregiver burnout is real, common, and completely understandable. Recognising it early makes recovery far easier. Watch for:

• Persistent exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling resentful, hopeless, or emotionally detached
• Neglecting your own medical appointments or health needs
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Schedule regular respite - even 2-3 hours/week for yourself matters
• Join a diabetes caregiver support group (in-person or online)
• Delegate specific tasks: shopping, pharmacy pickups, appointment reminders
• Communicate openly with your healthcare team about your own stress levels
• Practice boundary-setting - caregiving effectively long-term requires sustainable limits
• Consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor experienced in chronic illness caregiving