Careover

Careover is a term used to describe the transfer or handover of caregiving responsibilities from one person or organization to another, with an emphasis on maintaining continuity of care. The word blends care and over, and its exact meaning varies by context.

In health and social services, a careover refers to the formal process of transferring a client’s case during shifts, between care settings, or when changing providers. It includes documentation, communication with family or guardians, and aligning care plans to minimize gaps in treatment or support.

In business or IT service management, careover can denote the handover of ongoing support duties from one team to another during personnel changes, project transitions, or outsourcing. This involves transferring knowledge, ownership of open tasks or tickets, and updating service level expectations.

Because careover is not a standardized term, its usage is uneven and often overlaps with established concepts such as handover, transition of care, or continuity of care. Some practitioners view careover as a broader umbrella term for any process that ensures seamless care or service during transitions, while others prefer more specific terminology in their field. The lack of uniform definition can lead to ambiguity, so careover is typically clarified within organizational guidelines or region-specific practice.

See also: continuity of care, handover, transition of care, handoff.