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

Caring for someone with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) involves long-term commitment, advocacy, and adaptation. Caregivers often support educational needs, life skills, medical or behavioral challenges, transition to adulthood, and evolving independence. Because the needs and supports change across the lifespan, caregivers benefit from resources that address planning, inclusion, self-advocacy, and caregiver well-being.

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Transitions Are Major Inflection Points

Moving from childhood to adolescence, from school to adult services, or from parental care to independent living brings shifts in rights, supports, funding, and expectations. Having a plan for transition helps smooth those changes.

Advocacy & Systems Navigation Are Constant

You’ll often be your loved one’s voice—securing accommodations in education, accessing waiver or Medicaid services, coordinating therapy, or navigating policies. Understanding legal rights, processes, and community systems is essential.

Caregivers Need Their Own Support & Peer Community

The emotional, logistical, and financial demands can be intense and sustained over decades. Having peer support, respite strategies, self-care, and access to knowledge networks is critical to avoid burnout and maintain your resilience.

Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

Caregiver Action Network

  • National Caregiver Help Desk — Free 1:1 Support

  • Family Caregiver Toolbox — Practical Resources for Caregivers

  • Basics of Caregiving — Foundational, valuable knowledge in contexts where caregiving is lifelong and evolving (e.g., daily living, planning, adaptation).

  • Sibling Caregivers — Siblings play a vital role in supporting their sister or brother with an intellectual or developmental disability. This resource pinpoints some hardships that sibling caregivers face while also celebrating the unique relationship that can be strengthened.

  • Peer Support — Kindly Human is a free, on-demand caregiver resource that connects you to real people who have walked a similar path. Whether you’re juggling family responsibilities, coping with overwhelming stress, or seeking support for a loved one, Kindly Human offers a personalized approach to ensure you always feel heard and understood.

This resource was developed with support from The Arc and Angelman Syndrome 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.