APA Dictionary of Psychology

assistance provided to an individual who attends to the needs of another person, usually a family member or friend who is incapacitated or incapable of independent living, in order to share or temporarily relieve the caregiving burden. This assistance can include respite care, support groups, transportation, counseling, training, and supplemental home-care services. Because caregiving is often physically, psychologically, and financially demanding, this kind of support can be important for the physical and mental health and well-being of the caregiver.