"A caregiver, carer, or support worker is a paid or unpaid member of a person's social network who helps them with activities of daily living."
The act of providing care and assistance to the elderly or those with disabilities.
Aging and Gerontology: The study of aging and gerontology focuses on the physical, mental, and social changes that occur as we age, and the impact of these changes on our health and well-being.
Caregiving and Care Management: Caregiving and care management encompasses a range of activities performed by individuals and organizations to provide care and support to older adults.
Dementia and Alzheimer's: Dementia and Alzheimer's are common conditions that affect older adults and can result in memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behavior and personality.
Home Care and Community Services: Home care and community services include a variety of services provided to older adults in their homes or in the community to help them maintain their independence and quality of life.
Hospice and Palliative Care: Hospice and palliative care are specialized forms of medical care that focus on providing comfort and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
Legal and Financial Planning: Legal and financial planning for older adults involves a range of activities related to estate planning, Medicare and Medicaid, and other financial considerations.
Nutrition and Health: Nutrition and health are critical aspects of caregiving for older adults, as a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent or manage a variety of chronic diseases.
Physical Disabilities and Mobility Issues: Physical disabilities and mobility issues can significantly impact an older adult's ability to perform everyday tasks, and require specialized care and support.
Psychosocial Issues: Psychosocial issues such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation are common among older adults and require attention and support from caregivers.
Respite Care and Self-Care: Caregiving can be a demanding and stressful role, and respite care and self-care strategies can help caregivers maintain their own health and well-being while providing care for older adults.
Family caregiving: Refers to the care provided by family members, usually unpaid, to an older adult with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Professional caregiving: Refers to the care provided by paid professionals, such as nurses or home health aides.
Institutional caregiving: Refers to the care provided by staff members in institutions, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities or hospices.
Respite caregiving: Refers to short-term or temporary caregiving that is provided to relieve the primary caregiver from their responsibilities.
Hospice caregiving: Refers to the care provided to individuals who are terminally ill, usually provided in the individual's home or in a hospice facility.
Memory care: Refers to specialized care for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Palliative care: Refers to specialized care provided to individuals with serious illnesses that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
Rehabilitation caregiving: Refers to the care provided to individuals who are recovering from an illness or injury, typically provided in a rehabilitation facility.
Adult day care: Refers to care provided in a group setting for older adults who require supervision or assistance during the day, but not 24-hour care.
Telehealth caregiving: Refers to the use of technology to provide care and support services remotely, such as video conferencing, remote monitoring, or mobile applications.
"Since they have no specific professional training, they are often described as informal caregivers."
"Caregivers most commonly assist with impairments related to old age, disability, a disease, or a mental disorder."
"Typical duties of a caregiver might include taking care of someone who has a chronic illness or disease; managing medications or talking to doctors and nurses on someone's behalf; helping to bathe or dress someone who is frail or disabled; or taking care of household chores, meals, or processes both formal and informal documentation related to health for someone who cannot do these things alone."
"With an aging population in all developed societies, the role of caregiver has been increasingly recognized as an important one, both functionally and economically."
"Many organizations that provide support for persons with disabilities have developed various forms of support for carers as well."