A National Strategy for Family Caregivers

Federal plan outlines need to support ‘backbone’ of long-term care

September 18, 2024

Family caregivers serve a critical role to support loved ones across generations.

This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) delivered a progress report to Congress about the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The national strategy offers recommendations “for ensuring that family caregivers have the support and resources they need.”

“Without the support family caregivers provide, millions of people would not be able to continue living and participating in their communities,” said Alison Barkoff, who leads the Administration for Community Living for HHS.

Here are five things to know from the progress report:

• In the millions:  More than 53 million Americans serve as caregivers in the U.S.
• Cost of caring:  Family caregivers are the “backbone” of the nation’s long-term care system. It would cost about $600 billion to replace the support they provide with paid services, the report notes.
• Additional toll:  Lost income from family caregiving is estimated at $522 billion. CDC data also indicates about one in five caregivers report fair or poor health.
• Key elements:  The report offers an update on the federal government’s 2022 commitment to family caregivers across several key areas: increasing awareness of and outreach to family caregivers; advancing partnerships and engagement; strengthening services and supports; ensuring financial and workplace security; and expanding data, research, and evidence-based practices.
• Quotable:  "Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care provided in people’s homes,” said Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, CDC director.

The progress report and the 2022 plan are available online.

HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospitals are dedicated to supporting caregivers throughout the commonwealth while recognizing the important role they play in care. During 2013, HAP developed the nation’s first hospital association-sponsored Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). Learn more online.