caregiver

A caregiver is a person who provides direct assistance to someone who cannot fully care for themselves due to age, illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. Caregivers can be informal, such as family members or friends, or formal, including paid home health aides, nurses, or professional staff in clinics or residential facilities.

Common responsibilities include help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating), medication management, transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping, monitoring health conditions, arranging and coordinating medical appointments, and advocating for needed services. Caregiving may occur in the home, in community settings, or in long-term care facilities.

Training and qualifications vary by role and jurisdiction. Some caregivers receive on-the-job training, while others pursue formal certification or licensure. Additional preparation may include basic first aid and CPR, patient safety, and specialized care for conditions such as dementia or chronic illness.

The caregiver–care recipient relationship can be rewarding but challenging. Caring can improve the recipient’s quality of life and independence, yet it may cause physical strain, emotional stress, sleep disruption, and financial pressure for the caregiver. Balancing caregiving with work and family obligations is common.

Support for caregivers includes respite services, education and training programs, counseling, caregiver support groups, and financial assistance or tax credits available through government programs or nonprofits. Effective caregiving often requires clear communication, respect for the recipient’s preferences and autonomy, and planning for future needs.