From The Cleveland Clinic —
Overview
Who is a caregiver?
A caregiver is a person who provides physical or psychological care to someone else. Caregivers help others who aren’t able to help themselves fully on their own due to declining health, an illness, injury or an underlying medical condition like:
- Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- Cancer.
- Chronic illness.
- Mental health conditions.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Stroke.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but these are the most common conditions caregivers support. In addition, certain professions — like people who work in healthcare or education — may experience caregiver burnout.
The role of a caregiver could include:
- Helping with a daily routine like toileting, bathing, getting dressed or brushing hair.
- Preparing meals.
- Completing housework.
- Medication management.
- Managing finances.
- Transportation.
- Monitoring health.
- Advocating and communicating their needs with healthcare providers or agencies.
The main responsibility of a caregiver is to make sure the person within their care is safe and healthy.
What is caregiver burnout?
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that can happen when you dedicate time and energy to manage the health and safety of someone else. Caregivers who experience burnout may feel tired, stressed, withdrawn, anxious and depressed. Caregiver burnout can impact a person in various ways, including physically, psychologically, financially and socially.
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