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National Family Caregivers Month honors the dedication of millions who provide essential care for loved ones throughout November. This month recognizes their tireless efforts and sacrifices, offering a platform to share resources, build support networks, and advocate for better policies. Learn how to support caregivers, find valuable tools, and join the movement to acknowledge their profound impact.
Want to sponsor National Family Caregivers Month? Learn how
National Family Caregivers Month timeline
​A major milestone was reached with the golden anniversary of both Medicare and Medicaid, highlighting 50 years of financial and medical support to the elderly.
​China has always honored its elderly but a new Chinese law mandated that adult children were obligated to visit their parents.
​ 40 million American Baby Boomers turned 65.
1
​Social Security became a cornerstone of FDR’s New Deal.
​An innovative idea created the Visiting Nurse Society as a way to help the elderly poor with charitable in-home care.
National Family Caregivers Month FAQs
When is National Family Caregivers Month?
National Family Caregivers Month runs throughout November 2026, dedicated to honoring the millions of individuals providing essential care for their loved ones.
How many family caregivers are there in the U.S.?
As of 2026, there are approximately 53 million family caregivers in the United States, providing a wide range of assistance to adults and children with health needs. This vital workforce provides billions of hours of care annually.
What is the economic value of family caregiving?
The economic value of unpaid family caregiving in the U.S. is substantial, estimated at over $600 billion annually, surpassing the value of paid home care and Medicaid spending. This highlights the immense contribution of family caregivers to the healthcare system.
What are the biggest challenges for family caregivers?
Family caregivers often face significant challenges, including financial strain, emotional stress, and physical exhaustion. They frequently report a lack of adequate support, difficulty navigating complex healthcare systems, and social isolation.
How to Observe National Family Caregivers Month
Attend a caregiving conference or workshop
Since it's National Family Caregivers Month, do something to make an impact. Check with the National Alliance for Caregiving for the details but if you can't get away to Washington, attend a workshop instead. They have lots of practical advice. The main thing is to know that you are not alone.
Download a caregiving toolkit
Download the Circle of Care Mental Health Toolkit. Sponsored by the National Alliance for Caregiving, the toolkit covers topics including taking care of yourself, getting an accurate diagnosis, communicating with health professionals, finding community services, finding providers and more. This month, the resources you need are just a click away.
Take naps
One of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is to fit naps into your weekly schedule. Round-the- clock caregiving is never easy. But when your loved one takes a break, don't do another task — you take a break too. It's important not to wear yourself down or who will take care of you?
​Five Reasons Caregiving Is So Tough
​Where's the other half?
​Over half of family caregivers are women.
​Relationships may suffer
​One of out of every four caregivers reports diminished family relationships because of caregiving a loved one.
​No wonder you’re tired
Most caregivers work outside the home either part- or full-time in addition to their caregiving responsibilities.
​Children do it too
​Over a million American young people, aged eight to 18, care for an adult relative on a daily basis.
​It's hard to do self-care
Nearly 70 percent of caregivers report they don’t see their doctor regularly because of their responsibilities.
Why National Family Caregivers Month is Important
Caregivers need love, too
Caregiving while still holding down an outside job is exhausting. Much of caregiving is unpaid. National Family Caregivers Month in November provides resources for self-care, advocacy, and de-stressing for our caregivers. The month is dedicated to supporting caregivers as they care for others. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock."
Learn how to cope
National Family Caregivers Month features lots of vital information to help caregivers cope with a tough, and sometimes thankless job. There are tips for caregivers such as taking care of your own health, accepting offers of help from others, learning the skills to speak effectively with doctors, and being open to new, assistive technologies that can lighten your load. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
Check yourself for depression
Watching a parent age or seeing someone change drastically due to illness can be devastating. Take some time to monitor your own wellbeing. If you are not sleeping well, exercising, or feel yourself becoming reclusive, speak to a professional about depression. It can hit anyone at any time. There's no shame in feeling overwhelmed.
National Family Caregivers Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | November 1 | Friday |
