Any person who provides support to someone in his or her surroundings who has a temporary or permanent disability, whether it be physical, psychological, psychosocial or of another nature, and whether or not an emotional or family connection exists between the caregiver and the person. The support provided can be continuous or occasional, short or long term, and is not offered in a professional capacity, in a manner that is free, enlightened and subject to being withdrawn, with the aim, among others, to promote the rehabilitation of the person being assisted, and the maintenance and improvement of his or her quality of life at home or in other living environments.

Do you spend between 1 and 70 hours per week helping or taking care of a loved one who is sick or losing his or her autonomy?

A caregiver can provide support in various forms, for example:

• transport,
• assistance with personal care and coordination of medical care and services,
• domestic tasks and house maintenance,
• banking transactions,
• legal obligations,
• support for social participation (social, sport or cultural activities, studies, integration at work, etc.),
• emotional, psychological and social support.

Providing support can have financial consequences for caregivers. It may also limit their ability to take care of their own physical or mental health or to discharge their other social and family responsibilities.

Caregivers may experience a need for:

• fatigue, anxiety and stress,
• irritability and anger,
• feeling overwhelmed,
• social isolation,
• lateness and absenteeism at work, working less hours, etc.

Caregivers may have different needs:

• relief services,
• individual or group psychological support,
• flexibility in their job or studies,
• information and training,
• financial and material support,
• support for domestic and daily life tasks,
• information and services in their native language.