carekeeping

Carekeeping is the practice of maintaining the wellbeing and daily functioning of individuals, animals, or properties for which a person or organization has responsibility. It encompasses a range of tasks intended to support safety, health, and quality of life, including personal care, medication and nutrition management, home safety and maintenance, and social or emotional support. The term is used across professional, informal, and hybrid settings and is closely related to caretaking and caregiving.

Core responsibilities may include assessing needs, creating and following care plans, assisting with activities of daily living, coordinating medical appointments, managing medications, preparing meals, ensuring a safe living environment, monitoring changes in condition, maintaining records, communicating with family and professionals, and providing companionship. In practice, carekeeping may also involve the care of animals or the upkeep of a residence or estate, particularly in professional settings.

Skills and ethics are central to carekeeping. Effective carekeepers employ clear communication, observation, organization, and, where appropriate, basic medical knowledge or first aid. They must respect privacy and obtain informed consent, support autonomy, and follow safety protocols. Legal responsibilities—such as documentation, reporting obligations, and applicable protective laws—and, when relevant, arrangements involving power of attorney or guardianship, are also considerations.

Training and challenges: Training ranges from informal guidance to formal certificates in caregiving or home health assistance, first aid, and CPR. Caregivers may face burnout, time and financial constraints, and uneven access to resources. Outcomes are typically evaluated by safety, health status, independence, and quality of life for those receiving care.

Related terms include caregiving and caretaking.