Honoring the Heart of Care this National Caregivers Day.

FORT WORTH, TX—Today families across the nation will take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of healthcare—caregivers.

National Caregivers Day pays tribute to the professional and family caregivers who provide emotional and physical support to those battling illness, disability, and age-related challenges.

While professional caregivers earn a paycheck, many others selflessly serve without compensation, driven by love, duty, or necessity. Family caregivers, in particular, juggle emotional and financial burdens, often feeling honored yet overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

A Growing Crisis in Caregiving

With dementia rates climbing and Baby Boomers entering their 80s, the demand for caregivers is skyrocketing.

According to AARP, over 38 million Americans provide unpaid care, spending an average of $7,000 annually on out-of-pocket expenses. In 2021 alone, unpaid caregiving was valued at over $600 billion, marking a $130 billion increase since 2019.

Some states are now enacting legislation to offer tax deductions for caregiving costs.

The James L. West Center for Dementia Care, a leader in caregiver education, acknowledges family caregivers as the backbone of support for those facing chronic illness. Their Bilingual Caregiver Education Program, launched in 2022, fills a critical gap by providing culturally relevant resources for Hispanic families caring for loved ones with dementia.

The Hidden Cost of Caregiving

A Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index reveals just how much time caregivers dedicate:

6 days per month assisting with daily tasks like grooming, feeding, and bathing.
13 days per month handling chores, shopping, meal prep, and medication management.
13 hours per month coordinating medical visits and researching care plans.

And many caregivers neglect their own health, prioritizing others over themselves.

A Call to Show Gratitude

Caregivers embody kindness, patience, and sacrifice, yet they are often overlooked. This National Caregivers Day, take a moment to thank the caregivers in your life—a simple act of appreciation can make a world of difference.