March 3^rd is National Caregiver Appreciation Day, a chance to acknowledge and thank the estimated 43 million caregivers who work to improve the lives of others. Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States are reported to be caregivers, with about 1 in 6 adults receiving help. Over half of caregivers for older adults are 50 years old or older. Women of color are more likely to be caregivers, and many are also immigrant women of color.

Caregiving is an in-demand profession, and most caregivers are unpaid. Many report experiencing financial strain, including having difficulty saving and taking on higher debt. Legal assistance, elder rights, and aging services advocates can support caregivers by connecting them to benefits, services, and supports. These NCLER resources can help advocates learn more about these benefits and how to help clients navigate them:

• Chapter Summary: Grandparents and Other Non-Parent Kinship Families
• Chapter Summary: The Older Americans Act and Home and Community-Based Services
• Training: Title II Auxiliary Benefits: Social Security Benefits You’ve Never Heard of and Who is Eligible for Them
• Video: Interview with Dr. Donna Benton on Supporting Black Caregivers and Older Adults

Advocates can also take steps to support caregivers in their community:

• Increase understanding of caregiving and caregiver needs. The list of resources below is a great place to learn more.
• Spread awareness of the caregiver support services and programs available in your area.
• Encourage respite services for caregivers.
• Facilitate or coordinate caregiver support groups or training.
• Take a few minutes today to say THANK YOU to caregivers for improving the lives of adults in your community.

Additional Resources:

• Administration for Community Living Caregiver Strategy
• 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers: Actions for States, Communities, and Others
• National Academy for State Health Policy, Inventory of Key Family Caregiver Recommendations
• National Academy for State Health Policy, What Family Caregivers Need: Findings from Listening Sessions
• AARP, Caregiving in the United States (2020)
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• Alzheimer’s Association Caregiving
• National Council on Aging: Caregiving Support for Caregivers