Caregiver Supports

Today, an estimated 53 million Americans, or 20 percent of the general population, provide care for an older adult, or someone living with illness or disability. Families are the major provider of long-term care for their older loved ones and these unpaid caregivers represent the largest source of long-term services and supports in the nation. Recent estimates indicate the value of unpaid caregiving has now reached $470 billion annually.

Research shows that nearly 90 percent of people age 65 and older want to age in place (i.e., stay in their homes and communities) for as long as possible. But to do so, many older adults rely on family or friend caregivers for necessary support. The wide range of services provided by unpaid caregivers, such as transportation, food preparation, housekeeping and personal care enable older adults to live with dignity and independence. Most people who serve as caregivers do not self-identify as caregivers, however. Instead, they consider the care they provide as “what you do for someone you care about or love.”

But serving as a caregiver may exact a heavy toll—emotionally, physically and financially—for the person assuming this role. The average age of a caregiver is 49, a time in many people’s lives when they are still raising a family and actively employed. Add the role of caregiver to the mix and many people feel unprepared and overwhelmed.  

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) provide direct support to caregivers, primarily through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (Title III E of the Older Americans Act). Services include respite care (temporary supervision of the care recipient to provide rest for the caregiver, which is the most requested service); individual counseling and support groups; caregiver education classes/training; and emergency assistance.

AAAs also play a crucial role in information and referral, connecting families with local providers who can help them create a caregiving plan, address specific challenges, or identify support services. Caregivers should contact their local AAA to learn more.

USAging Resources​

• Staying Connected and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers
• Caring Across the Miles: Resources for Long-Distance Caregivers
• Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation
• Face the Facts: Topics to Discuss Now with Your Aging Parents
• 10 Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help
• Eldercare Locator Consumer Publications

Other Resources​​

• ARCH National Respite Network
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• National Alliance for Caregiving
• Caregiver Action Network
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center