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 help ensure medications are taken correctly, encourage safe exercise and healthy nutrition, and assist in fall prevention strategies around the home. Caregivers also provide emotional support and helping their loved one with any challenges of daily activities. By being attentive and proactive, they contribute greatly to maintaining safety, independence, and quality of life.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Fall Prevention is Critical

Caregivers should help reduce risks by keeping living spaces clutter-free, improving lighting, encouraging supportive footwear, and assisting with balance or mobility needs.

Medication and Treatment Adherence Matter

Caregivers can help by tracking schedules, noting side effects, and ensuring healthcare providers are kept informed.

Daily Lifestyle Choices Support Bone Health

Caregivers should encourage regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and activities that promote independence while still ensuring safety.

Partner Resources

Article

Information for Caregivers

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation

This resource helps guide caregivers on the need-to-know bits of supporting a loved one with Osteoporosis.

VIEW THE RESOURCE

PDF Resource

Quick Guide

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation

The Quick Guide provides key facts about Osteoporosis, simple steps you can take to protect your bones, and a list of support resources to help you connect with fellow osteoporosis patients or get involved in helping those suffering from the disease.

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Interactive Module

Path to Good Bone Health

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation

This guide emphasizes the importance of maintaining bone health and preventing Osteoporosis. It lays out a path for supporting your loved one’s bone health.

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This resource was developed with support from Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

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.