A June 25, 2025 article from Senior Living on discusses the PBS documentary “Caregiving” about family caregiving in the US. With 53 million unpaid caregivers, support programs are crucial. Bradley Cooper produced the documentary, highlighting his experience caring for his father and advocating for financial assistance for caregivers.
As baby boomers age, the demand for care increases, with 11,000 turning 65 daily. By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65-85, many needing care. Over 75% want to stay in their homes, relying on family and friends. Their other option is to move to a care facility. One in five individuals provides unpaid care worth $600 billion annually, often facing emotional and financial strain. Most caregivers are women, balancing jobs and other responsibilities.
Family caregivers should contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for resources supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA), including nutrition programs, caregiver support, health promotion, transportation, information and assistance, benefit specialists, dementia care support, and adult protective services (APS).
As a social worker for 29 years and a caregiver for my mother for 11 years, I see daily the need for caregiver support. Urge legislators to implement the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers and oppose budget cuts to essential OAA services. We will all need care or provide it eventually.
