Am I a family caregiver?
Most people picture caregivers as home health aides — state-certified professionals who are paid to care for someone. But many caregivers are never trained or paid at all. We call these people family caregivers.
"Family" doesn't mean you have to be related, either — you can be a family caregiver to a relative, friend, or neighbor. Family caregivers come in every age, race, and gender, and don't have to live nearby; many live out of town, out of state, or even out of the country, with technology helping bridge the distance.
You're a family caregiver if you:
"Family" doesn't mean you have to be related, either — you can be a family caregiver to a relative, friend, or neighbor. Family caregivers come in every age, race, and gender, and don't have to live nearby; many live out of town, out of state, or even out of the country, with technology helping bridge the distance.
You're a family caregiver if you:
- Assist with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting)
- Provide transportation to medical appointments or errands
- Advocate on your loved one's behalf
- Check in frequently, in person or by phone
- Help manage finances
- Help maintain the household
- Schedule medical appointments
- Help manage medications (reminders, pharmacy refills, administering doses)