What it means
Someone who helps a person with daily care, health needs or safety. A family caregiver is usually a spouse, child or parent who is not paid; a formal caregiver is paid. Caring for someone with a long illness, such as Alzheimer diseaseAHLTS-hy-mer dih-ZEEZA brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.Full entry , can be tiring and stressful, which is called caregiver strain or caregiver burden.
For the nurse
Include the caregiver in teaching, with the client's permission, and check that they can do the care at home (teach-back or return demonstration). Ask how they are coping, and look for signs of strain, such as exhaustion or missed health visits; offer respite care and support groups.
At a glance
| Spanish | cuidador |
|---|---|
| Also written | caregivers, caregiving |
Related terms
activities of daily living
The basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.
Alzheimer disease
A brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.
self-care
The things people do for themselves to look after their own health and daily needs.