Every day, caregivers quietly make life possible for millions of people. On National Caregivers Day, observed each year on the third Friday in February, we pause to recognize the people who show up to care for others through illness, aging, injury, and disability.
At University Medical Center of El Paso, we see caregivers at the center of healing. They are family members, friends, and healthcare professionals who support patients physically, emotionally, and medically. Their work is meaningful and demanding.
What Is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who provides ongoing assistance to another person who needs help with daily activities or medical care due to age, illness, injury, or disability. Caregivers may help with tasks such as:
- Managing medications and medical appointments
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, or mobility
- Preparing meals and providing transportation
- Offering emotional support and companionship
Caregivers can be professionals, such as nurses, home health aides, and certified caregivers, or informal caregivers, including spouses, adult children, relatives, friends, and neighbors who step into the role out of love or necessity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), family and unpaid caregivers are a critical part of the healthcare system, often providing long-term care with little training or support.
The Hidden Health Toll of Caregiving
While caregiving can be deeply rewarding, research consistently shows that it can also affect a caregiver’s mental and physical health.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that caregivers experience higher rates of:
- Chronic stress and anxiety
- Depression and emotional fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- High blood pressure and weakened immune function
Long hours, emotional strain and putting personal needs last can lead to what healthcare professionals commonly refer to as caregiver burnout. Over time, this not only affects caregivers themselves but also their ability to provide safe and effective care.
Caregivers are essential partners in patient outcomes, and when caregivers are supported through education and access to healthcare, patients experience better continuity of care and improved quality of life.
On this National Caregivers Day, UMC El Paso extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who strengthen our families and healthcare system. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and your health matters, too.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment, or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
