Who are the caregivers? And what do they do?
If you are reading this, YOU are probably the caregiver. Or know someone who is. Or, more likely several people who are taking care of others, usually family.
The 2025 edition of Caregiving in the US, released by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, reveals a rapidly evolving caregiving picture that now includes 63 million Americans, nearly a 50% increase in the last ten years. This means one in every four adults is serving as a family caregiver. This surge underscores the growing demand for family caregivers who provide essential support to those with chronic, disabling, or serious health conditions.
The report also presents statistics on a state by state basis, revealing how place can affect the caregiving experience, uncovering stark differences in financial strain, care intensity, and available support in states across the U.S. Find your state here.
Are you one of those 63 million Caregivers?
Being a caregiver means helping someone who needs extra support because of age, illness, injury, or disability. Caregivers can be family members, friends, or hired professionals. Family caregivers often help loved ones with everyday tasks like cooking, bathing, dressing, or taking medicine. Some also handle finances, make appointments, and offer emotional support.
Each caregiver has their own reason for providing care. It may be an act of love, a sense of duty, or simply something that needs to be done and you are there.
Whatever the reason, caregiving is a serious responsibility that affects every part of your life – your schedule, emotions, health, and even finances. Understanding what caregiving involves helps you prepare and protect yourself while giving the best care possible for your person.
Types of Caregivers
Not all caregivers do the same work. However, all caregivers share one thing: responsibility for another person’s well-being.
Each role depends on the relationship to the person who receives care. A Family Caregiver is a relative who cares for a spouse, parent or other family member, often unpaid. They make up the largest segment of caregivers. Informal Caregiver is a friend, neighbor, or community volunteer who helps as needed. Professional Caregiver is paid, such as a nurse, home aide, or personal care assistant. Respite Caregiver temporarily takes over caregiving duties so the main caregiver can rest. Long-Distance Caregiver organizes services or support from another location.
Common Caregiver Duties
Caregiving tasks vary widely, but some are common to nearly every situation. These can include:
- Help with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Prepare meals and encourage healthy eating
- Manage medications and refills
- Schedule and attend doctor appointments
- Handle finances, bills, and insurance
- Provide transportation
- Keep the home safe and comfortable
- Offer emotional support and companionship
Tasks will change as the cared-for person’s condition changes. Understanding upfront that care needs will evolve helps caregivers stay flexible and better prepared. Resiliency and flexibility are crucial elements of caregiver, especially longer term care. The purpose of this blog is to show ways to adapt and change as needed. The first step is for you to know this is necessary.
The Emotional Side of Caregiving
Caregiving is rewarding but also demanding. It can bring joy and deep connection, yet it can also cause stress, sadness, or guilt. Many caregivers struggle with conflicting emotions. You might feel proud of helping yet also frustrated by the constant demands on your time.
This is normal. All caregivers feel tired, anxious, or even angry at times. The key is to notice these feelings and find healthy ways to manage them. Acknowledging your emotions does not make you weak – it means you are human.
Turn Challenges into Strength
Caregiving changes people in lasting ways. Many discover new compassion, patience, and problem‑solving skills. You may also feel more grateful for small everyday moments. While the job is demanding, it often deepens love and resilience. Recognizing how much you have grown helps you stay confident through tough times.
Look at Caregiving as a Journey
Caregiving is rarely a short‑term duty. It often unfolds over months or years, filled with changes. Some days you’ll feel capable and confident; other days you may feel overwhelmed. Accept that progress isn’t always perfect. Every effort you make matters.
Try to view caregiving as a journey of shared strength, not only a responsibility. You are not just serving another person’s needs – you are part of their story, helping them live with comfort, dignity, and connection.
——————–written by Charlene Vance———————–
Sources: AARP Caregiving by State AARP Family Caregiving Report 2025
Part 2 Challenges of Caregiving