A caregiver is a person who provides care to a patient who is at least partially unable to care for himself or herself. If the patient is in a hospital or other medical facility, the caregiver is usually a medical professional. If the patient is living at home, the primary caregiver may be a family member. Family members who take on the burden of becoming caregivers for relatives with long-term illnesses can experience considerable stress and often need emotional support; some benefit from support groups where they can interact with others who are in similar situations.

Further reading:

Patient Profile: Home Work