Programs that provide training for family members and other informal caregivers which focuses on care-related activities such as medication management, personal care and making the home environment safe and barrier-free as well as on stress management and other techniques to help the caregiver take care of him or herself. The focus of the training is on building the skills and capacity of the caregiver to manage their caregiving role. Some programs include a caregiver assessment, development of an individualized plan that focuses on the caregiver, setting goals and establishing a routine for ongoing support for the caregiver.

Family members, friends, neighbors and others who assume responsibility for attending to the daily needs of individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves due to general frailty; illnesses, injuries or progressively debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or mental illness; or other incapacitating problems without compensation. Some, but not all, states have programs that help people pay for the caregiver of their choice, and in certain circumstances that can be a family member. Most of these programs have income and other eligibility requirements that the care recipient must meet, and strict rules often apply as to who can be paid for the caregiving. Benefits may also be available for veterans and their families through the Veteran's Administration.

An age-related, non-reversible brain disorder that develops over a period of years. Initially, people experience memory loss and confusion, which may be mistaken for the kinds of memory changes that are sometimes associated with normal aging. The symptoms gradually lead to behavior and personality changes, a decline in cognitive abilities such as decision-making and language skills and problems recognizing family and friends; and ultimately to a severe loss of mental function. Alzheimer's disease is one of a group of disorders called dementias that are characterized by cognitive and behavioral problems. It is the most common cause of dementia among people age 65 and older.

The parents, children, spouses, partners, friends or other relatives or significant others of people who have Alzheimer's disease, whose own patterns of personal, social and familial coping have been significantly affected by concern about the individual.