Are you a caregiver?

You might already be one. Here’s what that can look like.

A caregiver is anyone who helps another person manage their health, daily needs, or overall well-being—often without pay. You might be a caregiver if you:

  • Help a family member, partner, friend, or neighbor with everyday tasks

  • Coordinate or attend medical appointments

  • Manage medications or health-related needs

  • Provide emotional support, check-ins, or advocacy

  • Assist with household responsibilities or transportation

  • Step in regularly because someone relies on you

If you see yourself in any of these roles, you can identify as a family caregiver—even if you’ve never used that term before. Caregiving looks different for everyone, but every caregiver plays a vital role and deserves recognition and support.

The Caregiver’s Role

Supporting Comfort and Recovery

Caring for a loved one with acute pain often means helping manage a temporary but sometimes intense period of discomfort caused by injury, illness, surgery, or a medical procedure. Caregivers may assist with daily activities, monitor symptoms, support treatment plans, and help their loved one move safely through recovery.

Caregivers also provide reassurance, communicate concerns to healthcare providers, and advocate for appropriate pain management. This combination of practical and emotional support can help improve comfort and overall well-being during recovery.

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH 2026 SPONSOR

Support for this National Family Caregivers Month resource is provided by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Recognize Pain and Speak Up

Pain is personal, and your loved one may not always be able to communicate how much they are hurting. Watch for changes in behavior, movement, sleep, or mood. If pain worsens, seems unusual, or isn’t improving with treatment, contact their healthcare provider.

Understand Pain Management Options

Effective pain relief may involve medications, rest, physical therapy, or other approaches. Understand your loved one’s treatment plan, help them use medications safely, and know what side effects to watch for. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if pain isn’t adequately managed.

Provide Comfort While Supporting Recovery

Emotional reassurance, help with daily activities, and a calm environment can make a meaningful difference. Encourage your loved one to follow their recovery plan and gradually regain independence as their condition improves.

Caregiver Action Network Resources

Caregiver Resources from Our Partners

Online Article

Take Control of Pain: Educating and Advocating for Empowered Pain Management

A national initiative that helps individuals and families better understand acute pain management options and supports informed conversations about pain treatment and care choices.

Online Article

Take Control of Pain: Acute Pain Education & Advocacy

Provides information, tools, and practical resources designed to help caregivers better understand ATTR amyloidosis and support a loved one throughout diagnosis and treatment.

Partner Support Organizations

American Chronic Pain Association

Explore Your Community Support Options

Personalized Guidance from Caregiving Experts

Personalized Guidance from Caregiving Experts

Available Monday-Friday from 8am – 7pm ET, our experts are ready with the personalized support, guidance, and assistance you need and deserve–for as long as you need it.

(855) 227-3640

24/7 Access to Hundreds of Helpful Resources

24/7 Access to Hundreds of Helpful Resources

The National Caregiver Help Desk App, powered by Carallel, is full of bite-sized resources crafted to help you build skills, validate what you’re feeling, and help you get stuff done.

Use Access Code: CAN

Connection & Community with Other Caregivers

Expert-Led Virtual Fireside Chats

These 30-minute virtual fireside chats address the complex and often difficult topics encountered by caregivers. Sessions are led by Matt Perrin, Carallel’s Director of Caregiver Engagement, and Sheila Schultz, a Carallel Care Advocate.

Community with Other Caregivers

Community With Other Caregivers

Through CAN, Carallel Support Groups give you a place to ask questions, feel understood, and build confidence in your caregiving journey. Access is simple and available when you need it.

Certified Listeners

Connect with Certified Listeners

Looking for someone who really gets it? Get matched with trained listeners who share your lived experience—whether that’s caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, cancer, or another chronic condition.

Facebook Support Group for Caregivers

Online Support Group on Facebook

Join our caregiver community on Facebook to connect with thousands of peers in a welcoming, supportive space.
Ask questions, share experiences, and receive advice any time of day.

We’re meeting caregivers where they are—giving you choices for how you want to connect, whether through expert advice, peer-to-peer empathy, or live support groups.