Family caregiving means providing unpaid care to someone close to you. It could be a parent, spouse, partner or friend. They may need assistance with daily living, health care appointments, transportation or emotional support.
According to the Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, family caregivers provide more than 80% of long-term care for older adults. Yet many don’t even see themselves as ‘caregivers.’ Recognizing your role is important: It helps you connect to resources, receive training and engage fully as a member of the care team for the person you help.
Read more to learn how to navigate the care system, protect your own health and mental health and find caregiving resources.
Why is it important to support caregivers, not just the person receiving care?
Caregivers are essential partners in care. The UC Davis Healthy Aging Initiative focuses on building an “age-friendly” health care system that strengthens both the person receiving care and the person providing care.
When caregivers are supported, those in their care have better outcomes and families experience less stress. UC Davis researchers are also studying the impact of caregiving on physical and emotional health. The goal is to create interventions that improve life for both caregivers and those they care for.
Read more about caregiving research
How do I navigate the health care system as a caregiver without feeling invisible?
You are not “just the helper” — you’re part of the care team. UC Davis encourages caregivers to introduce themselves to clinicians and speak up:
“I’m [Name], and I help [family/friend name] manage their care. Could you please include me in care-planning discussions?”
What are practical steps you can take as a caregiver?
- Complete legal documentation such as a Durable Power of Attorney to establish the relationship and enable access to conversations and care planning. Share this document with health care team.
- Keep a folder (digital or paper) with medications, test results and provider notes. Update after each appointment. Keeping up-to-date information is key.
- Write down questions before appointments.
- Ask for printed or emailed after-visit summaries. You can ask to gain access to the Electronic Health Record for the person you care for. With their permission, this allows you to communicate with the health care team.
- Before hospital discharge, request clear instructions for follow-up and home care.
- Contact your county’s Area Agency on Aging for free guidance on care coordination and local support programs.
- In California, the California Caregiver Resources Centers offer family consultation, referrals to services and supports, education and other resources.
Learn more about our Age-Friendly designation
How can I protect my own health and wellbeing while caring for someone else?
Caring for another person is meaningful, but it can take a toll. Experts remind caregivers that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Here are evidence-based steps from the Family Caregiving Institute:
- Schedule your own check-ups and routine care to follow up on your own health conditions. Let your provider know you’re a caregiver — they’ll better understand your stress levels and time demands.
- Build “micro-breaks.” Even five minutes of deep breathing or stretching resets your nervous system.
- Join a support group. If you live in California, the institute offers connections to area caregiver support networks and respite services. For caregivers caring for someone with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association has an array of resources.
- Accept help. Share tasks with family, friends, or volunteers.
- Stay connected. Maintain a sense of self outside your caregiving identity.
How can I plan ahead without feeling overwhelmed?
Start small. Experts recommend building a care roadmap in manageable steps:
- Talk early with the person in your care about preferences and priorities.
- Organize documents such as health care records, advance directives, insurance, emergency contacts.
- Create a backup plan. Who can help if you’re unavailable?
- Explore options to take time off now, before you urgently need them.
- Review quarterly. Revisit your plan as health or family circumstances change.
The goal isn’t to predict every scenario. It’s to reduce uncertainty and prevent crisis-mode decision-making.
Learn more about the AARP’s Home Alone Alliance video series
How do I cope with the loneliness, guilt or loss that often comes with caregiving?
The emotional weight of caregiving is real and valid. Many caregivers feel isolated or guilty for not “doing enough.” Here are steps you can take to help combat these feelings:
- Name your emotions. Frustration, sadness even resentment are normal responses.
- Seek connection. Join a local or virtual caregiver support group.
- Set boundaries. It’s okay to rest, decline or say no.
- Celebrate small victories. Each day you show up, which really counts.
- Seek professional help if you feel consistently anxious or depressed. UC Davis Health’s behavioral-health network can connect you to therapists familiar with caregiver stress.
What resources are available for caregivers?
Many practical resources exist beyond the hospital setting. Here are a few to bookmark:
- AARP Family Caregiving – Offers practical tools, local resources and expert advice for caregivers, including state-by-state guides and a 24/7 online community.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – Provides education, advocacy and online support tailored to the needs of family caregivers, including webinars, fact sheets and a “CareNav” personalized guidance platform.
- National Alliance for Caregiving – Conducts national research, policy advocacy, and public awareness campaigns on family caregiving issues — known for its Caregiving in the U.S.
- Alzheimer’s Association – Offers caregiver training, support groups and a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900) for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
- VA Caregiver Support Program – Provides education, peer support and respite services for caregivers of veterans, including a confidential helpline.
Learn about UC Davis Health's Caregiver Consultation service (referral required)
What’s one message every caregiver needs to hear?
That you are part of the health care system — not outside it.
You’re not invisible. You’re indispensable.
This blog was medically reviewed by gerontological nursing expert Heather M. Young and geriatrician Rebecca Boxer.
