A caregiver is someone who takes care of another person who needs help with daily activities. Caregivers might help elderly grandparents who can no longer cook meals or bathe themselves, assist parents recovering from surgery, or care for younger siblings when parents are at work. Professional caregivers work in hospitals, nursing homes, or people's houses, while family caregivers take care of their own relatives.

Caregiving involves both practical tasks and emotional support. A caregiver might help someone get dressed, prepare meals, manage medications, or simply provide companionship to someone who feels lonely or scared. The work requires patience and attention because the person receiving care often can't do these things independently anymore, whether due to age, illness, or disability.

The role can be demanding. A caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's disease might need to help that person remember to eat or stay safe at home. A caregiver for a child with special needs might help with schoolwork, medical appointments, and daily routines. Many caregivers find meaning in helping someone they love live with dignity and comfort. Nurses like Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton were caregivers who revolutionized how we think about caring for the sick and wounded.