What does it mean to be a caregiver
To truly understand caregiving, we first have to understand what a caregiver is. A caregiver is anyone who provides care, support, or assistance to another person who needs help in their daily life, whether that’s due to age, illness, disability, injury, or recovery from surgery.
When most people hear the word caregiver, they often picture a medical professional working is a hospital or nursing home. But in reality, caregiving extends far beyond professional settings. It can be a family member, a friend, or even a neighbor. A caregiver is anyone who steps in to help someone live more comfortably, safely, and with dignity.
The Invisible Work of a Caregiver
Most of what caregivers do happens quietly, behind the scenes. The kind of care that often goes unnoticed by makes all the difference. This could look like:
- Scheduling appointments
- Monitoring health and activity
- Sending daily reminders
- Transportation
- Food Delivery
- Housekeeping
These are just a few tasks that family caregivers might assist with, but while most people think of caregiving as a paid job, family caregivers are typically doing this all while balancing their own careers and families.
The Emotional Toll
Caregiving can be an incredibly rewarding job that caregivers take on, but it can also bring along many challenges and be taxing for those primary caregivers. Many caregivers struggle with anxiety, stress, burnout, or guilt about taking a step back (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). While this may be true, the care that caregivers provide is essential for those they support, both emotionally and physically. It is important for everyone involved to recognize the significance of this support, as it allows them to establish boundaries that promote caregiver self-care.
Redefining the Way, We Think About Caregiving
It is important to acknowledge that while there are professional caregivers who provide essential services, many of the individuals who provide care are in fact not professionals but rather family members or friends of the person receiving care. According to AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving, five years ago it was reported that more than 1 in 5 adults in America reported being an (unpaid) family caregiver, and that number is only growing. By recognizing that caregiving extends beyond just medical services, we can better support the families and individuals in our communities who are caring for others.
Final Thoughts
Caregiving is one of the most meaningful acts of compassion there is, yet it often goes unrecognized. Family caregivers take on countless responsibilities, from managing daily routines to providing emotional support, all while balancing their own lives. These challenges can bring stress, exhaustion, and moments of self-doubt.
Despite their impact, many people don’t even identify as caregivers because of misconceptions about what caregiving truly means. By redefining what it means to be a caregiver and raising awareness around their role, we can help give these individuals the voice, visibility, and support they deserve.
Resources
AARP, & National Alliance for Caregiving. (2024, February 14). Caregiving in the United States 2020. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-united-states/#:~:text=As%20the%20U.S.%20continues%20to,family%20caregivers%20are%20also%20working.
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, September 17). How to treat caregiver burnout. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout
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