National Caregivers Month: Key Takeaways
- Every November, National Caregivers Month honors the 63 million Americans providing unpaid care to loved ones at home
- In-home caregivers balance emotional, physical, and financial challenges, often managing complex health needs with little formal training
- Federal and community programs like the National Family Caregiver Support Program and respite services offer critical relief and resources
- Self-care practices like mindfulness, structure, rest, and social connection are essential to avoiding caregiver burnout and protecting well-being
- Support groups, both local and online, give caregivers a network of understanding and practical guidance
- Recognizing caregivers through local events, gratitude, and shared stories helps build awareness year-round
- Apps such as the Caring Village’s Caregiver App simplify care coordination, communication, and organization, reducing stress for families
More than 63 million Americans provide unpaid care for aging parents, partners, or relatives each year. These in-home caregivers form the backbone of family and community care across the country.
Every November, National Caregivers Month recognizes their dedication and the vital role they play in supporting the nation’s most vulnerable. From managing daily routines to offering emotional comfort, caregivers make it possible for millions of older adults to live safely at home.
It’s a quiet kind of work: part duty, part devotion. Most caregivers don’t see themselves as heroes, but their patience and persistence often fill the gaps that health systems can’t.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:
- What National Caregivers Month means and how it’s celebrated
- The daily realities and challenges of in-home caregivers
- How to find reliable national programs and support groups for caregivers
- Self-care and mental health strategies to prevent burnout
- Ways to honor caregivers in your community this November
- Why caregiver apps like the Caring Village’s Caregiver App are transforming how families manage care
Simplify caregiving and stay connected with your family care team.
What Is National Caregivers Month?
Every November, the United States observes National Caregivers Month, a national awareness campaign dedicated to recognizing the millions of people who provide unpaid care to family members, friends, or neighbors.
First established in 1994 by the Caregiver Action Network and later recognized through presidential proclamations, the observance highlights the essential role caregivers play in supporting the nation’s health and well-being.
Each year, CAN selects a national theme that highlights the evolving needs of caregivers. The 2025 theme, “Plug-in to Care,” focuses on helping caregivers connect with reliable digital tools, networks, and support systems that make caregiving more manageable and sustainable. The campaign encourages caregivers to “plug in” to community programs, education, and technologies that reduce isolation and strengthen daily care routines.
National Caregivers Month is observed through local events, online campaigns, educational webinars, and public recognition across the country.
Organizations such as the Administration for Community Living, AARP, and local health departments promote National Caregivers Month through awareness resources, policy initiatives, and opportunities for caregivers to share their experiences. These collective efforts ensure caregivers know that their work matters and that help is available when they need it.
The Role and Challenges of In-Home Caregivers
In-home caregivers are the cornerstone of family health and long-term care in the United States. Whether they are spouses, adult children, relatives, or trained professionals, these individuals help older adults and people with disabilities live safely and comfortably at home. Their work often bridges the gap between clinical care and emotional companionship.
According to the AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving 2025 report, caregivers now provide an average of 27 hours of care each week, with nearly one in four (24%) devoting 40 hours or more.
Many also perform complex medical tasks such as wound care, injections, or monitoring vital signs, yet only 11 percent have received formal training. This expanding scope of responsibility highlights how caregiving has evolved into a role that often mirrors professional healthcare duties without the same resources or compensation.
Daily Responsibilities and Considerations
The responsibilities of in-home caregivers vary depending on the needs of the person receiving care but typically include:
- Personal care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, mobility, and hygiene.
- Meal and nutrition support: Planning and preparing balanced meals to maintain health.
- Medication management: Tracking prescriptions, doses, and refill schedules.
- Transportation and appointments: Driving to medical visits, errands, and community programs.
- Emotional and social engagement: Providing companionship, conversation, and reassurance.
- Home safety and organization: Preventing falls, reducing clutter, and managing household tasks.
These roles extend beyond routine assistance. Caregivers preserve dignity, independence, and connection for aging adults.
Emotional, Physical, and Financial Challenges
Despite their essential contributions, caregivers often face serious emotional, physical, and financial strain:
- Emotional stress: Half of caregivers say caregiving has increased their emotional stress. Over one-third report physical stress impacts.
- Employment conflict: About 61 percent of caregivers also hold paid jobs, trying to juggle work and caregiving duties.
- Financial burden: Many caregivers incur significant expenses. AARP reports that 78% of caregivers experience regular out-of-pocket costs, with the average annual amount estimated at $7,242.
For many, there’s no off-switch: just the next appointment, the next meal, the next night of light sleep. Caregiving doesn’t pause for weekends, and neither does the pressure.
Addressing Caregiver Needs
Supporting in-home caregivers requires a combination of policy initiatives, workplace flexibility, and accessible resources. National Caregivers Month encourages people to explore:
- Financial and practical support: Programs like the National Family Caregiver Support Program offer counseling, respite services, and information on the availability of grants for caregivers.
- Respite care importance: Short, planned breaks allow caregivers to recover physically and mentally, reducing stress and preventing burnout. Many community centers and local agencies on aging offer temporary care services that give families the rest they need without disrupting routine.
- Training and education: Caregivers can access free or low-cost workshops through local aging agencies, hospitals, and nonprofits. These programs cover topics like dementia care, safe transfers, and medication management: skills that build confidence and improve quality of care.
- Care coordination: Families caring for aging parents or relatives benefit from clear communication and shared planning. Learning how to handle care coordination can prevent confusion, ensure medication accuracy, and keep everyone informed about appointments and care routines.
Organize care plans, share updates, and stay connected with your entire support network.
Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
Caregiving can be deeply rewarding, but it often comes with physical exhaustion and emotional strain. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to experience stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. Prolonged stress can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, depression, and burnout.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward building sustainable routines that protect your health and well-being. You don’t need a full hour or a perfect plan. Some days, a short walk or a phone call to a friend might be all the self-care you get—and that counts.
Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout
Burnout doesn’t always hit all at once; it creeps in. Maybe it's snapping over something small, forgetting your own appointments, or waking up already tired. The National Institute on Aging recommends simple habits that protect well-being, including taking short breaks, staying active, and asking for help before stress escalates.
Practical steps that help include:
- Setting realistic expectations: Prioritize tasks and share responsibilities when possible.
- Creating structure: Keep a steady routine for meals, rest, and medications.
- Asking for help early: Look into community respite options or family back-up plans.
- Watching for warning signs: Changes in sleep, mood, or motivation can signal rising burnout.
- Staying connected and sharing responsibility: Regular check-ins with family or close friends reduce isolation and distribute the mental load. Using shared tools like Caring Village can help families coordinate tasks, track medications, and stay in sync, making caregiving a shared effort rather than a solitary one.
Many caregivers wonder how to avoid caregiver burnout when stress becomes part of daily life. Building small, consistent coping routines and reaching out for support early can make the role more sustainable.
Mindfulness and Mental Health Practices
The American Psychological Association emphasizes that mindfulness helps caregivers reduce stress, improve focus, and strengthen emotional regulation. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, which is something that can be practiced during routine caregiving tasks such as preparing meals, assisting with mobility, or managing medications.
Try these three simple practices throughout the day:
- One-minute breathing reset: Inhale for a count of four, exhale for a count of six, and repeat five times. Use reminders on your phone to pause and reset between tasks.
- Movement micro-break: Stand up, roll your shoulders, or take a short walk to relieve tension and clear your head.
- Evening wind-down: Spend a few minutes reflecting on one positive moment from the day, reinforcing gratitude and balance.
Staying Connected: Support Groups for Caregivers
Caregivers who maintain social ties report better coping and less stress over time. AARP’s Research Insights on Caregiving report highlights the value of community connection and ongoing support for family caregivers navigating complex duties.
Here are some practical ways to stay connected:
- Join a peer group through the Family Caregiver Alliance, which offers online and in-person support options you can access by location or topic.
- Explore free toolkits, webinars, and education from the Caregiver Action Network to build skills and find peer communities.
- Use the federal Eldercare Locator to find local caregiver programs, senior centers, and respite contacts in your ZIP code.
Take a moment to care for yourself, too.
How To Celebrate National Caregivers Month
National Caregivers Month is a chance to honor the compassion and strength of those who dedicate themselves to others. Even small gestures such as recognition, gratitude, and shared moments can remind caregivers that their work is seen and valued.
Ways To Recognize Caregivers in Your Community
There are many thoughtful ways to acknowledge caregivers’ hard work and offer genuine appreciation:
- Say thank you personally: If you’re not sure how to thank a caregiver, know that a handwritten note or phone call can mean more than a formal award. Expressing appreciation directly helps caregivers feel supported.
- Offer practical help: Simple acts like running errands, preparing meals, or providing transportation can relieve daily stress.
- Host a local recognition event: Senior centers, workplaces, or community groups can organize a small gathering to celebrate caregivers’ efforts.
- Share awareness messages: Use social media to highlight National Caregivers Month and spread stories that inspire empathy.
Sharing Stories To Honor Caregivers
Telling caregivers’ stories helps others understand the depth of their commitment. Communities, nonprofits, and families can use newsletters, podcasts, or local media to highlight the impact of caregiving. Authentic stories encourage connection and broaden public understanding of what caregiving truly involves.
Tips for Hosting or Participating in Caregiver Events
When planning or joining an event, the goal is to make it accessible, inclusive, and meaningful:
- Keep events brief and inclusive, allowing caregivers to attend without disrupting their routines.
- Offer free wellness or relaxation activities such as chair yoga, mindfulness workshops, or coffee hours.
- Collaborate with local organizations to share information about grants, training, and emotional support services.
Recognizing caregivers, whether through words, time, or shared experiences, builds a culture of respect that lasts beyond November.
Why Caregiver Apps Are a Game-Changer for Family and Professional Caregivers
Technology can transform overwhelming caregiving routines into coordinated, manageable systems. Apps designed for caregivers simplify daily communication, improve organization, and help families share responsibility. When used well, these tools reduce stress and ensure that everyone involved stays informed and connected.
Streamlining Communication Between Caregivers and Family
One of the greatest challenges in caregiving is keeping everyone aligned, especially when multiple people are involved in a loved one’s care. A shared digital platform allows caregivers to post updates, share messages, and store important information in one secure place.
With Caring Village, families can communicate in real time, exchange reminders, and ensure that no task or message goes unnoticed.
Managing Tasks and Daily Care Routines
Caregivers often juggle dozens of tasks each day, from medication schedules to appointments and meal plans. A structured app can track these details and send alerts when something needs attention.
Caring Village offers a shared calendar, task lists, and medication tracking so that every family member or professional aide can stay on the same page.
Tracking Health and Safety Metrics
For many caregivers, tracking blood pressure, meds, or doctor notes becomes part of the daily routine, but it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks without a shared system. Digital caregiving tools make it easy to record vital signs, track wellness goals, and store care documents securely.
Caring Village includes wellness tracking features that help caregivers notice patterns and share updates with healthcare providers more easily.
Reducing Caregiver Burnout Through Organization
Disorganization is one of the biggest stressors for caregivers. By centralizing tasks, reminders, and communication, caregiving apps remove much of the mental load that contributes to burnout. Staying organized means spending less time managing logistics and more time connecting with loved ones.
National Caregivers Month: FAQs
Start with national directories that point you to active, reputable groups. The Family Caregiver Alliance lists online and in-person options on its Support Groups page, and the Eldercare Locator helps you find local programs by ZIP code. You can also review practical guidance from AARP on choosing a group that fits your needs.
They centralize communication, schedules, and care information so families and professionals can coordinate tasks, manage medications, and track wellness in one place. This reduces confusion and saves time for everyone involved.
Set boundaries, share responsibilities, and build short breaks into your week. Watch for early signs like sleep changes, irritability, or loss of motivation, and reach out to peers or local programs for support. Some people wonder how to avoid caregiver burnout when stress becomes routine, and learning simple routines and early warning signs can help.
Family caregivers may qualify for payment through certain state and federal programs. The most common option is Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services, which allows eligible individuals to hire family members as paid caregivers. Some states also offer self-directed care or structured family caregiving programs that provide stipends for in-home care.
Caregivers can explore these options by visiting Medicaid.gov, the U.S. Government Caregiver Resources page, or the National Council on Aging’s guide, which outlines several ways to receive compensation depending on state eligibility and program rules.