Are you a caregiver?

You might already be one. 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

Managing Pain, Treatment, and Complications

Caring for a loved one with sickle cell disease (SCD) often means providing steady support while being prepared for unpredictable pain crises and other complications. Caregivers may help manage medications and appointments, encourage healthy habits such as hydration and rest, support treatment plans, and assist with daily needs during flare-ups.

Caregivers also help recognize warning signs that require medical attention, including fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, weakness, vision changes, or symptoms of stroke. Providing emotional reassurance and advocating for timely, compassionate pain management can also be an important part of supporting a loved one living with SCD.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Pain crises can escalate quickly

Pain episodes vary from person to person and may become severe within hours. Knowing your loved one’s typical symptoms and recognizing when pain is different or accompanied by fever, breathing problems, or neurological symptoms can help you seek care promptly.

Prevention is just as important as treatment

Staying hydrated, avoiding illness, keeping vaccinations up to date, taking medications as prescribed, and attending regular medical appointments can reduce complications and improve quality of life.

Caregiving is a long-term partnership

Sickle cell disease affects more than physical health. Emotional support, advocacy, and helping your loved one maintain independence are just as important as managing medical needs. Caregivers should also prioritize their own well-being by seeking support, taking breaks, and asking for help when needed to avoid burnout.

Caregiver Resources from Our Partners

ORGANIZATION

Sickle Cell Education, Advocacy & Community Programs

Provides programs and resources designed to educate, inspire, and mobilize people living with sickle cell disease and those who care for them.

SUPPORT

Caregiver Resources for Sickle Cell Disease

Offers practical guidance and support to help caregivers navigate the challenges of caring for someone with sickle cell disease and feel better prepared during stressful moments.

ORGANIZATION

Sickle Cell Advocacy, Education & Support

Serves as a national voice for people affected by sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait through advocacy, education, research support, and community programs.

ORGANIZATION

Sickle Cell Education & Empowerment Resources

Promotes education, awareness, and empowerment for people affected by sickle cell disease, with resources designed to strengthen knowledge and community support.

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.