As we witness the growing needs of our aging population, it's important now more than ever to recognize and thank the unsung heroes of our health care system: family caregivers. These individuals dedicate countless hours to supporting their loved ones, providing emotional, physical, and financial care. Family caregivers are often the backbone of care for older adults, those with chronic conditions, and people with disabilities. Their role is vital not only to the families they serve but also to the broader health care system and economy. As we recognize National Family Caregivers Month and National Care at Home Month, it is a fitting moment to reflect on family caregivers' contributions and highlight changes being made in public policy and the health care system to support them.
Family caregivers make up an essential pillar in the health and well-being of our communities. According to the AARP's 2023 updated report, Valuing the Invaluable, approximately 38 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult with health or functional needs. Their impact is widespread—from improving quality of life for patients to saving the U.S. economy billions of dollars in health care costs. Without them, many older adults or people with disabilities would be unable to manage daily tasks, attend medical appointments, or live in the comfort of their own homes. Family caregivers not only assist with tasks such as medication management, personal hygiene, and mobility but often take on more responsibilities like managing medical treatments and navigating health care systems. Their unpaid labor is invaluable, and it is a role that's only expected to grow in importance as the Baby Boomer generation ages.
The Catholic Health Association (CHA) and its members are committed to supporting family caregivers by advocating public policy and health care delivery changes that benefit both caregivers and those in their care. One example of public policy change is the bipartisan, bicameral Credit for Caring Act. This act provides financial relief by offering a $5,000 non-refundable tax credit for family caregivers, helping to offset out-of-pocket caring costs, such as home care aides, adult day care, respite care, transportation, and other supports. According to a fact sheet from AARP, caregivers spend, on average, nearly $7,000 annually on care-related expenses, which cause financial hardship and lost opportunities for saving by caregivers. The Credit for Caring Act would allow family caregivers to help address a portion of the significant financial impact of caregiving. This legislation, supported by CHA and many other national organizations, is expected to be re-introduced in the 119th Congress.
CHA members are embracing new models of care that better address the needs of family caregivers and those they care for. These include:
- The Age-Friendly Health Systems model, based on evidence-based research, equips health systems to provide patient-and family-centered care for older adults by focusing on the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mobility and Mentation. This model of care is designed to engage families in decision-making and provide more personalized care by understanding patients' values and preferences. CHA members CommonSpirit and Providence St. Joseph Health are among 30 health systems that are taking part in the Age-Friendly Health System-Wide Spread Collaborative, where participants aim to spread the model across all settings and sites of care in their systems. CHA, along with the AHA are supporting partners of this model, which was developed by the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
- The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model, launched by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on July 1, 2024, focuses on comprehensive, coordinated dementia care and aims to improve quality of life for people with dementia, reduce strain on their unpaid caregivers, and enable people with dementia to remain in their homes and communities. CHA members Archcare and Providence St. Joseph are participating in CMS's eight-year-long initiative to test this model of care, which includes providing caregiver training and support services, including 24/7 access to a support line, connections to community-based providers and respite services.
As we honor the dedication of family caregivers, it's important to remember that supporting them is a shared responsibility. Public policies, health care innovations, and faith and community organizations are all crucial in creating a society where family caregivers are not only recognized but also empowered to thrive in their roles. CHA and the Catholic health ministry embrace this call as we seek to reimagine healthand thank all the family caregivers who dedicate their time, energy, and love to the well-being of others.
To read more about how Catholic health systems are supporting caregivers and innovations, refer to the links below: