A caregiver is anyone who helps someone with the things they cannot do alone.

You don’t have to be a trained professional to be called a caregiver. People who are living with moderate to severe chronic pain often need a caregiver. The type of pain and how serious it is may determine how much help they need.

Understanding moderate to severe chronic pain

It can be hard for someone who does not have moderate to severe chronic pain to understand the effect it can have on a person’s life. Familiar activities take much more effort. Tasks that used to be simple become difficult chores. Leisure activities may become impossible. Depending on the type of chronic pain, it can affect:

• Walking
• Driving
• Doing errands like shopping and cleaning
• The ability to work
• Taking part in sports activities

A person with chronic pain may need help with the simplest tasks or may not be able to do them at all. They often rely on a caregiver, like you, for help. They may feel frustrated and dependent when they can’t do the things they need or want to do.

The caregiver's role

Everyone’s chronic pain has a different effect on their life. Your role as a caregiver will depend on how the person you know is affected and what they want help with. Let the person tell you what help they need. In this way, they can feel as independent as possible while feeling supported by you at the same time.

To learn more about helping someone who is living with moderate to severe chronic pain, please download our caregiver's guide.