What is a Caregiver?

You might already be a caregiver—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

Caregivers play a vital role in supporting those with various pulmonary conditions (such as COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, etc.) by helping manage daily routines, medications, and oxygen therapy, while also monitoring symptoms for signs of worsening. Caregivers assist with doctor visits, lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise, and coordinating care across providers. Beyond physical treatment, caregivers provide emotional support as well, helping patients cope with the challenges of living with a chronic, progressive condition. Caregivers’ involvement can greatly improve quality of life and reduce risk of serious adverse events for those with pulmonary conditions.

copd

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Navigating Treatment and Symptom Management

Pulmonary condition caregivers should know how to administer common treatments, medications, and have the ability to operate durable medical equipment their loved one uses.

Monitoring Symptom Changes

They should also be aware of any signs that their condition has become more severe, including increased shortness of breath, tiredness, and depression.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, caregivers should know how to take care of themselves and recognize when the burden of caregiving feels overwhelming; when this happens, caregivers can reach out to their family, support groups, or a professional caregiver company for services or advice.

Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

  • COPD Online Support Community | COPD360social: An interactive online community created by the COPD Foundation that connects patients, caregivers, and health care providers that all deal with COPD.

  • National Institutes of Health:

    > COPD National Action Plan — Guidance for caregivers on the first-ever blueprint for a muti-faceted, unified fight against the disease.

    > Caregiver Resource Listing — A listing of information and links to federal online resources for caregivers.

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA Caregiver Support Program — The CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system and is just one of many similar programs that exist to help caregivers feel their best.

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: For the Caregiver — This incredibly landing page for caregivers from the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation breaks down the essentials a caregiver needs to know when their loved one has pulmonary fibrosis.

Caregiver Action Network

This resource was developed with support from the COPD Action Alliance & the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

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.