A caregiver (U.S., Canadian and Chinese usage) or carer (UK, NZ, Australian usage), is an unpaid or paid relative or friend of a disabled individual who helps that individual with his or her activities of daily living.
In the United States today, close to 80% of all long-term care is now provided at home by family caregivers to children and adults with serious conditions, including mental health issues, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury, cancer, paralysis, developmental and physical disabilities, cognitive impairments and Alzheimer's disease.
The stress associated with unsupported care for chronically ill family members may result in a condition commonly referred to as
caregiver syndrome.
