Caregiving Services

Families and caregivers are critical to our programs, and we support their physical, mental, and emotional health. Easterseals is a national nonprofit providing expert caregiving and support services across disabilities and stages of life, helping individuals and families across the United States live more independently. 

Choosing the right kind of care for someone who needs daily assistance due to injury, disability, or aging can feel overwhelming. To help you balance your caregiving responsibilities, we’ve created this list of resources to assist in making the best decisions.  

Common Health Conditions That Caregivers Help Manage  

Caregiving is a vital and multifaceted role that involves supporting individuals with a wide range of health conditions and disabilities. You often provide essential physical assistance and emotional support to enhance the quality of life for those in your care. Understanding the specific conditions that caregivers commonly encounter can help with effective caregiving. 

Balancing Act: Managing Caregiver Responsibilities and Self-Care 

Caregiving is a demanding role that requires balancing the needs of the person you care for with your own well-being. It's essential to recognize that taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. When you prioritize your health and emotional needs, you are better equipped to provide the best care possible.

You're Not Alone: Essential Services for Caregivers 

Caregiving can be made easier with the support of a network of services and resources. By tapping into available assistance—from adult day care and home care to meal programs, respite care, and support groups—you can ensure that you and those you care for receive the support you need to maintain health and well-being. 

From Errands to Emotional Support: The Many Faces of Caregiving 

Although there are many paid sources of help, Easterseals’ focus is on unpaid or informal caregiving, which accounts for the majority of all care provided. We support caregivers across every stage of life. 

The term caregiver refers to anyone who provides support to another person who requires care. This support may be a few hours a week, or full-time, live-in support. The person being cared for may live at home, with you, or with another friend or family member, or in a residential facility. The person receiving care may have a disability or may just need a little help with basic daily tasks.  

Some tasks might include: 

• Providing transportation, childcare, meals, or medication management for family and friends 
• Offering emotional support and regular check-ins for loved ones with mental health challenges 
• Helping with household or practical tasks for neighbors and older relatives 

Types of Relationships to Caregiving 

Some caregivers also have the added responsibilities of administering medications and other medical tasks related to a person’s illness or disability. Often, caregivers already have a relationship with the person or persons they are caring for. The most common type of informal caregiving relationship is an adult child caring for an aging parent.

Types of caregiving relationships include: 

• Adults caring for other relatives, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles 
• Spouses caring for their loved one 
• Middle-aged parents caring for adult children with disabilities 
• Adults caring for friends and neighbors 

Informal or unpaid caregivers are the primary source of care for nearly three-quarters of older adults who live in the community. These caregivers are usually family members.