Caregivers and credentials
Family caregiver
A family caregiver is a relative, partner, friend, or neighbor who gives unpaid help to someone with an illness, disability, or age-related needs. They may help with personal care, meals, rides, money, and medical tasks. The National Family Caregiver Support Program funds services for many of them.
Why it matters for your family
Most care in the United States comes from family. The work can include hands-on help, appointments, bills, and daily worry. It often grows over time. Caregivers need support too. Local services may include respite, training, counseling, and support groups, through the Area Agency on Aging. A common mistake is trying to do everything alone until health suffers. Paid home care can share the work, such as covering nights, bathing, or a few hours each week. Talk to your own doctor, and keep a plan for backup if you get sick.
Source: acl.gov
Related terms
- Caregiver burnoutCaregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can come from long-term caregiving stress.
- Respite careRespite care is short-term care that gives a family caregiver a break.
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA)An Area Agency on Aging is a public or private nonprofit agency that a state designates to meet the needs of older adults in a local area.
- Caregiver stressCaregiver stress is the physical and emotional strain that comes from caring for another person over time.
- Home careHome care is non-medical help for people who live at home, such as bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, errands, and company.
- Caregiver trainingCaregiver training is instruction that teaches paid or family caregivers how to give safe, respectful care.
