Caregiving

• What is a caregiver?
• Who are our nation's caregivers?
• What is caregiver stress?
• How can I tell if caregiving is putting too much stress on me?
• What can I do to prevent stress or relieve stress?
• What is respite care?
• What is the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)?
• How can I find out about caregiving resources in my community?
• What kind of caregiver services can I find in my community?
• What kind of home care help is available?
• How will I pay for home health care?
• Who is eligible for Medicare home health care services?
• Will Medicaid help pay for home health care?
• For more information

What is a caregiver?

Caregivers are people who take care of other adults, most often parents or spouses, who are ill or disabled. The people who receive care usually need help with basic daily tasks. Caregivers help with many things such as:

• Grocery shopping



• House cleaning



• Cooking



• Shopping



• Paying bills



• Giving medicine



• Toileting



• Bathing



• Dressing



• Eating

Usually caregivers take care of elderly people. Less often, caregivers are grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The terms informal caregiver and family caregiver refer to people who are not paid to provide care. As the American population ages, the number of caregivers and the demands placed on them will grow.

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