The basics
Overview
When you take care of a loved one, it’s important to take care of yourself as well. The emotional and physical stress of being a caregiver can cause health problems, so get the support you need to take care of your own health.
What is a caregiver?
An informal or family caregiver is someone who helps a family member, friend or neighbor who is sick or has a disability. Caregivers often provide unpaid assistance with basic daily tasks.
You can be a caregiver if you regularly help someone with:
- Buy groceries and cook
- cleaning the house
- Bathing, going to the bathroom, dressing and eating.
- Take and track medications
- Keep wounds clean or give injections.
- Provide car rides to appointments.
- Manage personal services, such as talking to doctors or paying bills.
About 1 in 5 adults in the United States are caregivers. Most caregivers also have other jobs, and about 1 in 4 spend more than 20 hours a week caring for a loved one.
Caregiver stress
The stress of caregiving can cause health problems.
When you care for a loved one, it can be difficult to take care of your own health. Caregivers are at higher risk of getting sick, such as a cold or flu. They are also more likely to have long-term health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes or depression.
Your caregiver may be stressed if:
- Feeling angry or sad frequently
- Feel like caring for your loved one is more than you can bear
- You feel like you don’t have time to take care of yourself
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Notice a change in your eating habits
- Lose interest in the things you used to enjoy.
Learn more about caregiver stress.
The good news is that you can reduce your risk of health problems and caregiver stress by taking care of yourself and getting support.
Take action
Physical health
Take care of your body.
The stress caused by caring for someone can lead to problems such as back pain and difficulty sleeping. Taking care of yourself will give you the energy and strength to meet the demands of caregiving.
Below are some ways to take care of your body:
- Eat healthy to keep your body strong. Choosing healthy foods will help protect you from heart disease, bone loss, and high blood pressure. Get tips for healthy eating.
- Get active to give yourself more energy. Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or dancing. And try to do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Find out how to stay active.
- Take steps to prevent back pain, such as keeping your back straight and bending your knees when lifting something heavy. Get tips to prevent back pain.
- Make sure you get enough sleep. Most adults need 7 or more hours of sleep each night. Learn to get enough sleep.
Mental health
Take care of your mental health.
It is important to take care of your mental health. Consider these tips:
- Find ways to manage stress. You can start by breathing slowly and deeply several times throughout the day. Get more tips for managing stress.
- Do something for yourself! Set aside time each day to do something you enjoy. Try reading, listening to music, or talking to a friend.
- Ask a neighbor or friend to visit your loved one while you take some time to rest, take a walk, or gain a new perspective.
- Get support from others to help you cope with the emotional stress of caring for someone.
It can also be helpful to listen to other people caring for a loved one; Their experiences may be similar to yours. Check out these stories from other caregivers.
Content last updated December 2, 2025
Reviewer information
This information about supporting caregivers is adapted from materials from the Administration on Aging and the Office on Women’s Health.
Reviewed by:
Bernice Hutchinson
Senior Services Program Specialist
Administration for community life
