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:
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Help a family member, partner, friend, or neighbor with everyday tasks
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Coordinate or attend medical appointments
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Manage medications or health-related needs
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Provide emotional support, check-ins, or advocacy
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Assist with household responsibilities or transportation
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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
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering (myelin) of nerve fibers, leading to communication disruptions between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms can include fatigue, mobility issues, weakness, sensory disturbances, cognitive changes, vision problems, bladder/bowel challenges, and mood or emotional shifts. As MS evolves, caregiving needs often shift—requiring flexibility, education, and proactive planning—to help maintain quality of life and independence for the person with MS.
Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know
Caregiving Resources
Partner Resources
Caregiver Action Network
This resource was developed with support from MS Foundation.
