What is caregiving?

Caregiving refers to the provision of assistance to another person who is ill, disabled, or needs help with daily activities. It often requires attention to the physical, mental, social, and psychological needs and well-being of both the caregivers and the elderly person requiring care.  Caregiving is a “reality” confronting many people in our communities today.  These caregivers include spouses, adult children (most often the eldest daughter), and other relatives and friends.  Despite changes in family size, geographic mobility, workforce participation of women, and other such factors, family caregivers still provide 80-90% of all personal and medical-related care to elderly relatives.