“A generic term referring to a person, either paid or voluntary, who helps an older person with the activities of daily living, health care, financial matters, guidance, companionship and social interaction. A caregiver can provide more than one aspect of care. Most often the term refers to a family member or friend who aids the older person.” (Department of Health and Human Services)
“Usually refers to informal, unpaid assistance for the physical and emotional needs of another person. Family members or friends frequently provide this type of care. In the child care field, however, the term caregiver refers to people who are paid for providing child care services.” (Stebbins, 2001, p. 232).
Department of Health and Human Services. (2005). Glossary of aging terms. Retrieved March 1, 2007, from http://eldercare.gov/eldercare/public/resources/glossary.asp.
Stebbins, L.F. (2001). Work and family in America. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc.