The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration for Community Living (ACL), delivered to Congress a progress report on federal implementation of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.
Why it matters: The strategy presents a vision, establishes goals, and provides recommendations for ensuring that family caregivers have the support and resources they need.
By the numbers: Family caregivers are the backbone of the nation’s system of long-term care – replacing the support they provide with paid services would cost an estimated $600 billion each year. When they do not have training, support, and opportunities for rest and self-care, their health, well-being, and quality of life often suffer.
Go deeper: The strategy proposes five main goals:
- Increase awareness and outreach
- Build partnerships and engagement with family caregivers
- Strengthen services and supports
- Ensure financial and workplace security
- Expand data, research, and evidence-based practices
