Who Are Caregivers?

Many people spend so much time caring for a loved one and they don't recognize themselves as being a caregiver.

A caregiver can be anyone:

• Older adults taking care of their spouses.
• Children or grandchildren taking care of their parents or grandparents.
• Neighbors or friends taking care of an older adult living down the street.
• Grandparents taking care of grandchildren.

Family caregiving is very common; according to AARP, in 2020, 1 in 5 Americans were caregivers. Many caregivers live with or near to the person for whom they provide care; other caregivers may be living in another city or state. A variety of programs and support services are available to caregivers.

What Does a Caregiver Do?

Caregivers provide a variety of supports to a family member, friend or neighbor which could include:

• Driving an older adult to medical appointments or picking up medications.
• Going to the grocery store or shopping for an older adult.
• Helping an older adult pay bills or manage finances.
• Assisting with household tasks like mowing the lawn or cleaning the home.
• Other activities to support an older adult’s independence and well-being.