Caregiver

A broad term used to refer to an individual who provides care to another individual who cannot care for him or herself due to a disability or functional limitation. This individual could provide nonmedical care such as help with bathing or eating or he/she could provide medically necessary care such as changing dressings. The care may be provided informally by a relative, friend or neighbor or by a paid individual who may or may not be a licensed professional.  Sometimes referred to as a caretaker, though a caretaker is usually one that looks after or takes charge of goods and property.

More Common Terms

  • Delirium Delirium resembles depression and dementia, but it comes on suddenly but is a temporary condition lasting for hours or linger for days.
  • Disability Insurance A type of insurance coverage that compensates some percentage of a worker's total wages should they become sick and/or injured and therefore unable to work.
  • Discharge Planner A social worker or nurse who assists a patient with health care arrangements following a hospital stay.

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