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

Paralysis, due to spinal cord injury, stroke, neurological conditions, or other causes, presents unique challenges involving mobility, independence, prevention of secondary complications (pressure ulcers, respiratory issues, etc.), and emotional adaptation. Caregivers often need to coordinate medical care, assist with movement or transfers, adapt the home environment, support rehabilitation, and provide emotional resilience. Because paralysis often leads to lifelong change, caregivers should equip themselves with resources, peer support, and planning tools to maintain quality of life for both the person and themselves.

paralysis

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Mobility & Safety Adaptations Are Foundational

How transfers, positioning, wheelchair use, home access, and assistive devices are managed deeply influences the person’s independence, skin health, and risk of injury. Learning safe techniques and making the environment accessible is critical.

Secondary Health Risks Cannot Be Overlooked

People with paralysis are at higher risk for complications like pressure sores, respiratory infections, urinary tract issues, spasticity, and circulatory problems. Vigilant preventive care and monitoring (skin checks, repositioning, respiratory care) are part of the caregiving role.

Emotional, Social & Identity Adjustment Matter Equally

Both the person experiencing paralysis and the caregiver may face grief, changes in roles, altered identity, isolation, and mental health strains. Finding peer support, counseling, and community connection is essential to sustain caregiving.

Featured Resource

Ties That Bind: Caregiver Resiliency in Parent and Child Relationships

Presented by: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

In parent-child relationships where one person is living with paralysis, helping one another becomes part of daily life. How do families reframe caregiving as connection, strengthen their bond, and prevent burnout along the way?

Listen in on a conversation on how expanding our definition of caregiving can deepen relationships, as well as practical ways to balance responsibilities, set boundaries, and support one another with care and resilience.

Recorded on February 11, 2026

Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

  • Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation:

    > Paralysis Resource Guide — A free, comprehensive guide (hundreds of pages) covering medical, rehabilitation, assistive technology, emotional health, peer support, and daily living topics for those living with paralysis and their caregivers.> Support for Caregivers — This section offers curated resources, downloadable materials, and guidance specifically for caregivers of those with paralysis.

    > Virtual Support Group (for caregivers and family members) — Free online groups where caregivers and family members connect, share, and gain guidance.

    > Resources in Your Area | Community Directory — A locator for regional or local organizations, services, peer networks, and support connected to spinal cord injury and paralysis.

    > Free Resources & Downloads for Caregivers — A repository of fact sheets, educational booklets, wallet cards, videos, and patient education materials standard for those living with paralysis and their caregivers.

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.