WHO IS A CAREGIVER?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a caregiver refers to any individual, including family members, friends, or volunteers, who provides assistance, care, and support to a person in need. This can include individuals who care for family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related conditions. Caregivers often assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and medication management. They also provide emotional support, and companionship, and help coordinate healthcare services. Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting the well-being and quality of life of individuals who require assistance due to their health or functional limitations.

We shall list five types of family caregivers in Kenya:

Primary Caregivers: These are individuals who provide the majority of care to the person they are caring for.

Secondary Caregivers: These are individuals who provide additional support to the primary caregiver.

Long-Distance Caregivers: These are individuals who live far away from the person they are caring for and provide care from a distance.

Informal Caregivers: These are individuals who provide care without any formal training on care.

Professional Caregivers: These are individuals who provide care in institutions of care or at the patient's home as a profession. They are currently known in Kenya as Health Care Support Assistants. Other terms used include nurse aide and patient attendants.