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 in ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle control, mobility, speech, and eventually breathing. As the disease advances, family caregivers play a crucial role in providing daily assistance, coordinating medical care, and ensuring quality of life. Because ALS caregiving demands change rapidly over time, caregivers often need ongoing support, training, and resources to meet both their loved one’s and their own needs.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

The Care Journey is Progressive

ALS caregiving needs evolve quickly—from mobility support to respiratory assistance—making flexibility and ongoing education essential.

Emotional and Physical Strain is High

The rapid pace of decline and emotional toll can lead to stress, fatigue, and grief. Caregivers should not hesitate to seek counseling and peer support.

Building a Care Team Helps

No one can manage ALS alone. Coordinating with medical professionals, respite care services, and support networks ensures sustainable caregiving.

ALS Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

Caregiver Action Network

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.