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 in HIV/AIDS

Caring for someone living with HIV/AIDS comes with unique challenges—balancing complex medication regimens, navigating stigma, and addressing both physical and emotional health needs. Advances in treatment have transformed HIV/AIDS into a manageable chronic condition, but caregivers remain central to ensuring quality of life, adherence to care, and emotional support. Recognizing and equipping caregivers with the right tools is essential to sustaining both their loved one’s health and their own well-being.

HIV/AIDS

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Medication
Management is Critical

Consistent adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to suppress the virus and protect long-term health. Caregivers often play a key role in supporting daily routines and addressing side effects.

Emotional Health
Matters

Caregivers may encounter stigma—both their loved one’s and their own—which can lead to isolation. Seeking supportive communities and mental health resources can ease the burden.

Caregivers Need
Care Too

Balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities can increase stress and burnout. Recognizing caregiver rights, setting boundaries, and accessing support networks can help protect your own health.

HIV/AIDS Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

  • SAGE: HIV & Aging Resources — This resource focuses on the intersection of HIV and aging by offering community supports, training, and technical assistance to improve quality of life for older adults living with or affected by HIV. It also emphasizes education for service providers to deliver culturally competent, affirming care to older LGBTQ+ people with HIV.
  • Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation: Programs & Support — This resource focuses on the intersection of HIV and aging by offering community supports, training, and technical assistance to improve quality of life for older adults living with or affected by HIV. It also emphasizes education for service providers to deliver culturally competent, affirming care to older LGBTQ+ people with HIV.
  • Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program — The Ryan White Program is the U.S. federal program that provides medical care, medications, and support services to people with HIV who have limited or no insurance, serving as a safety net in the national HIV response.

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.