Caregiver

A caregiver, care or support worker is a person who provides care for people struggling with their everyday activities due to age, long-term illness or disability. A caregiver can be either formal or informal. Formal caregivers (also known as paid caregivers) are trained professionals, including care workers at hospitals, day-care centers and nursing homes; home care and respite care providers; healthcare assistants; and other unlicensed assistive personnel. Family caregivers (also known as informal or unpaid caregivers) are relatives or friends who provide this support. Typical duties of a caregiver may include managing medications, helping with bathing or dressing, performing household chores, preparing meals, or managing both formal and informal health-related documentation for someone who cannot do these things independently.