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

Supporting Recovery and Adaptation

Caring for a loved one with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often means adapting as their needs change over time. Caregivers may help manage appointments, medications, rehabilitation, daily activities, and routines that support memory, attention, and organization.

Because TBI can affect physical abilities, thinking, communication, mood, and behavior, caregivers also provide patience, reassurance, and advocacy while encouraging as much independence as possible. Coordinating care, connecting with rehabilitation or community resources, and protecting your own well-being can help sustain support throughout recovery.

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Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Recovery is often slow and unpredictable

Healing from a traumatic brain injury takes time. Progress may come in small steps, and setbacks are common. Improvements can continue for months or even years, so patience and flexibility are essential.

Cognitive and behavioral changes can be as challenging as physical symptoms

Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, poor judgment, irritability, impulsivity, and emotional changes are common after TBI. These symptoms are part of the injury—not intentional behavior—and often require understanding, structure, and support.

Rehabilitation and caregiver support make a difference

Recovery is often most successful when caregivers actively participate in rehabilitation, reinforce therapy strategies at home, and seek support for themselves. No caregiver should feel they have to navigate TBI alone—healthcare professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and caregiver support organizations can provide valuable guidance and resources.

Caregiver Resources from Our Partners

SUPPORT

Brain Injury Caregiver Information Center

Provides education, practical guidance, and support resources for families and caregivers helping a loved one recover from or live with a brain injury.

SUPPORT

Caring for a Veteran with Traumatic Brain Injury

Offers information and caregiver support resources for families caring for veterans with traumatic brain injury, including guidance on recovery, daily care, and navigating VA services.

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.