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

Monitoring Symptoms and Supporting Daily Care

Caring for a loved one with heart failure often means helping manage the condition between medical appointments. Caregivers may monitor for changes such as shortness of breath, swelling, sudden weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, or confusion, while also helping manage medications, appointments, and treatment plans.

Caregivers can also support heart-healthy habits, including a low-sodium diet, appropriate physical activity, rest, and any prescribed fluid limits. Providing emotional support, communicating changes to the healthcare team, and knowing when symptoms require urgent medical attention can help reduce complications and support quality of life.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Early changes matter

A few pounds of weight gain, increased swelling, or worsening shortness of breath can signal that heart failure is worsening and should be reported promptly.

Self-care is not optional

Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Taking breaks, seeking support, and caring for your own health helps you provide better care over the long term.

You are part of the care team

Your observations, advocacy, and support can make a significant difference in your loved one’s quality of life, treatment success, and their ability to remain independent.

Caregiver Resources from Our Partners

ONLINE TOOL

Heart Failure Tools & Resources

Provides practical tools, educational materials, symptom information, and guidance to help people living with heart failure and their caregivers better understand and manage the condition.

ONLINE ARTICLE

About Heart Failure

Explains what heart failure is, common causes and risk factors, symptoms, complications, and steps people can take to help manage the condition.

ONLINE ARTICLE

Heart Failure Treatment

Provides evidence-based information about heart failure treatment, including lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures, and other approaches used to manage the condition.

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.