The Basics
When you are taking care of a loved one, make time to care for yourself. The emotional and physical stress of caregiving can cause health problems.
What is a caregiver?
A caregiver is someone who helps a family member, friend, or neighbor who is sick or has a disability. An informal or family caregiver often helps a loved one with basic daily tasks.
You may be a caregiver if you regularly help someone with:
- Grocery shopping
- Housework
- Taking medicine
- Getting dressed
- Transportation, like car rides to appointments
- Managing services, like talking to doctors
About 1 in 4 Americans is a caregiver. Most caregivers have other jobs and spend at least 20 hours a week caring for a loved one.
