Who is a caregiver?

A caregiver cares for the health and well-being of someone who needs help with daily tasks and activities. Your aging loved one may need a caregiver because of an injury, mobility or memory issues, illnesses, or chronic conditions that make everyday chores more challenging.

Depending on the level of support provided, long-term caregiving can take a toll on the caregiver’s physical and emotional health. Consider your loved one’s condition and your health and skills to determine whether in-home care is appropriate or if more specialized care is needed.

Caregiving is what professionals call the unpaid work of family members that make it possible for spouses and parents to live at home longer. Most family members think of it as doing what comes naturally when you're a wife, husband, daughter, son, or other family member. 

• 80% of caregivers say they feel a great deal of stress.
• 50% have clinically significant depression. 
• Anxiety is higher in caregivers than non-caregivers. 
• Caregivers have more physical health problems. 
• Strained caregiver spouses are at increased risk of dying. 
• Caregivers have poorer immune system function and slower healing of wounds. 
• Caregivers experience more colds and other viral illnesses.