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

Adapting as Needs Change

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is an evolving role. It’s not just about helping with daily tasks, it’s about supporting the whole person as their needs change over time. Caregivers provide day-to-day support, establish routines, and serve as care coordinators and advocates.

In many ways, caregiving for Alzheimer’s is about adapting, again and again, while holding onto moments of connection and meaning where you can.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Behavior is communication

What looks like agitation, anger, or withdrawal is often the person trying to express a need they can’t put into words. Pain, fear, confusion, overstimulation, or even boredom can show up as “challenging” behaviors. Instead of correcting or arguing, it’s more effective to look for the cause and respond with reassurance and calm.

Routine and simplicity are your best tools

As memory and thinking change, the world can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. A consistent daily routine, simple choices, and a calm environment can reduce anxiety and help your loved one feel more secure. Small adjustments, like keeping items in the same place or following the same schedule, can make a big difference.

You can’t do this alone, and you shouldn’t try to

Caregiving is demanding, both emotionally and physically. Burnout is real. Building a support network, whether that’s family, friends, respite care, or a support group, is essential, not optional. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your loved one.

Caregiver Resources from Our Partners

SUPPORT

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support & Education

Offers educational webinars, a 24/7 helpline, online communities, local support groups, and digital tools to help caregivers navigate Alzheimer’s disease and changing care needs.

SUPPORT

Caregiving Resources & Virtual Support

Provides a toll-free helpline, educational webinars, and virtual support groups led by licensed social workers for families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

TIP SHEET

Dementia Friendly Toolkit

Provides practical tools and videos designed to improve communication, reduce distress, and support more dementia-friendly interactions and care.

SUPPORT

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Online Community

Offers a free, moderated online community where caregivers can connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences and practical advice related to Alzheimer’s care.

ONLINE TOOL

Agitation in Alzheimer’s Screener for Caregivers

Helps caregivers identify and better understand signs of agitation in a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and provides information that can support conversations with healthcare providers.

TIP SHEET

Dementia Caregiving Guides & Training Resources

Provides caregiver guides, tip sheets, and training videos covering dementia-related behaviors, communication, daily care, and strategies for responding to changing needs.

Caregiver Action Network Resources

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.