The term "family caregiving" refers to unpaid care for an older or disabled adult by family members, friends, and neighbors. This can include everything from house cleaning or running errands to providing 24-hour care. A person can live with or near the person being cared for or can be a caregiver from a distance. Regardless of where they live, a caregiver can help determine the care needs and arrange help for the care recipient. Even people with relatives in a long-term care residence can be family caregivers by helping the staff plan and manage the care according to specific needs and preferences.

Family caregiving is a fairly new term for helping relatives and others who are "like family" who cannot fully take care of themselves. Many people who help others, whether motivated by love or a sense of obligation, do not think of themselves as caregivers. Instead, they consider caregiving as simply part of the role of being a member of the family.

Often there are several individuals who are involved in providing care to a family member, but typically there is one person who is seen as taking a major role in providing care. This person is called the "primary" caregiver. The primary caregiver experiences caregiving differently than others who may be involved in providing care.

For more information, visit: http://www.extension.org/pages/Caregiving_Is_Different_for_Everyone.