caregiver

noun

care·​giv·​er ˈker-ˌgi-vər 

plural caregivers

: a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)

The care of a patient with Alzheimer's Disease or a related disorder can be a physical, emotional and financial drain on the family caregiver.

—Diane Duquette Ascioti

Each child was rated by at least one parent. Questionnaires completed by another significant caregiver (teacher or daycare provider) were available on 85% of the sample …

—Alan E. Kazdin et al.

You probably can imagine the difficulty a caregiver can have getting an immobile patient into a whirlpool.

—Paul G. Donahue

caregiving

ˈker-ˌgi-viŋ 

noun

… researchers have repeatedly documented the psychiatric and physical health effects of family caregiving.

—Richard Schulz et al.

Many readers … had their own stories of being treated badly at work because of caregiving duties.

—Sue Shellenbarger

One of the most significant ways you can help animals, educate yourself about the joys and heartbreaks of caregiving and earn untold psychic rewards is to volunteer at a shelter.

—Wendy Christensen

Synonyms

• carer
• caretaker
• guardian

Examples of caregiver in a Sentence

When she got sick her husband became her primary caregiver.

he could no longer keep up his role as caregiver for his sick wife

Recent Examples on the Web

This splash pad has more than 2,300 five-star reviews on Amazon, most of which are from happy parents and caregivers. —Laura Lu, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024

Soon, Brewster fixed her issue — the same issue thousands of other parents and caregivers face. —Jimena Tavel, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024

The average caregiver in the U.S. spent $7,242 in out-of-pocket costs in 2021, according to AARP. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

As seen on Teen Mom, Amber's ex-boyfriend Gary Shirley became the primary caregiver for their daughter Leah, who is now 14. —Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

Steps to take when a child disappears Both Bischoff and Steele agreed that after checking with relatives, friends and caregivers, the first thing a family member with a missing child should do is contact the police in the area. —Albinson Linares, NBC News, 5 Apr. 2024

Women have typically been afforded more flexibility by bosses due to their traditional role as family caregivers. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 5 Apr. 2024

And hey, if Mom’s lucky, maybe another caregiver will help pad the piggy bank so the kids can afford a little bit more. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024

Organizations like the American Cancer Society have information and support groups for parents and caregivers. —Sarah Klein, TIME, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

caregiver

noun

care·​giv·​er -ˌgiv-ər 

: a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill)

parents and other caregivers

caregiving

-iŋ 

noun