What being a caregiver means

…in your immediate circle

You’re a caregiver when you have an emotional bond with the individual you’re caring for.

This individual can be your spouse or another member of your family, whether close or distant, but not only that: it can also be a friend or a neighbour.

…who has an incapacity

You’re a caregiver when the individual you’re assisting has an incapacity i.e., the individual is limited in his or her daily activities and sometimes in the exercise of his or her rights.

This incapacity may be caused by a physical injury, psychological trauma, or psychosocial disability. It may be temporary, such as a leg in a cast, or permanent, such as a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

…to promote the care receiver’s recovery and the preservation and improvement of his or her quality of life

Depending on the situation, your role as a caregiver is to help accelerate the healing process, prevent a deterioration of the care receiver’s condition, ensure a certain level of comfort in spite of his or her incapacity, or do all of these at the same time.

You’re considered a caregiver whether you provide services at home, in a seniors’ residence , or in a hospital.

…on a non-professional or volunteer basis

You’re a caregiver if you don’t charge for the assistance you provide, unlike the many professional services that are available to seniors experiencing a loss of autonomy.

You don’t need to have any special skills or medical knowledge. You also don’t need any type of certification to be recognized as a caregiver.

Ten caregiver myths (L'Appui)