Founder's Note: National Family Caregivers Month 2024

This November, as we celebrate the 27th annual National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM), family caregiving has taken center stage in the national dialogue. Not long ago, it was difficult to find even a single comprehensive article on family caregiving. 

Today, both presidential candidates have embraced it as a central campaign issue. We're in a pivotal moment that recognizes family caregivers as essential to our country's future, and yet we're still early in evolving the policies that could support them fully. 

The theme for NFCM 2024, "I Care," highlights the importance of self-recognition of family caregivers, encouraging them to claim their role and the resources available to support them. At Givers, we are committed to spotlighting their stories and driving the necessary policy changes to better support our nation's family caregivers.

State of Family Caregiving 2024 Report

Our third annual NFCM Report, The Current State of Family Caregiving 2024, provides insights into the experiences of 1,000 unpaid caregivers. The "I Care" theme illustrates the personal journey of each caregiver, reminding us that behind every act of caregiving is an individual whose compassion and commitment deserve acknowledgment.

Key findings in our report

This year, our survey findings reveal a landscape where family caregivers face financial and emotional pressures yet continue to lack access to important support services.

• Financial strain: 27% of respondents report that caregiving places a significant financial burden on their household, with 63% having to reduce work hours, take time off, or even leave their jobs due to caregiving responsibilities.
• Access to support: A substantial 36% of caregivers remain unaware of available government programs or community resources, while those who are aware often face challenges navigating complex systems like Medicaid waivers and long-term care services.
• Future policy needs: Nearly half (48%) of respondents view caregiving as a top issue for their family, and 73% are more likely to support political candidates who advocate for caregiver policies. Additionally, 40% expressed interest in programs that would provide compensation for their caregiving hours.

This data underscores the need for policy changes, increased financial support, and accessible resources to relieve the burdens on family caregivers.

See our 2022 report and 2023 report.

Year in preview: What's next for Givers

As we move into this next year, Givers remains dedicated to a future where every family caregiver is supported and compensated for their work. "I Care" symbolizes both the individual dedication of caregivers and our collective duty to support them.

Over the past year, Givers has touched over one million families and continues to help 15,000+ caregivers access the support they need and deserve each month. In the coming year, we plan to expand our partnerships to further increase support for family caregivers, bridging them with caregiver pay programs and improving access to resources.

A note from Givers

One of the greatest barriers to accessing support is the failure to self-identify as a caregiver. As the Caregiver Action Network notes, identifying as a caregiver is the first step toward finding support. Claiming "caregiver" as part of your identity opens doors to resources that can make a meaningful difference.

During National Family Caregivers Month, let us all commit to recognizing and celebrating unpaid family caregivers' priceless contribution. Together, we can work toward a future where caregiving does not come at the cost of financial stability or personal well-being.

We invite you to stay tuned on our social channels for more insights from our research and join us in celebrating and empowering the caregivers who keep our families strong.

Take care,

Founder & CEO, Givers