The family caregiver is the largest pillar of the long term care industry. They provide over $650 billion dollars of unpaid care. They do this at great physical and financial harm. We are in a public health crisis. There are more seniors than youth. With the growing aging population, it's only going to get worse. 

We are also seeing a direct care worker shortage. They are underpaid and undervalued. This is shortage is causing more pressure and expectations of providing care to fall on the family caregiver.  This petition was created to draw attention to the challenges and obstacles the family caregiver faces. They are considered the invisible second patient.  The healthcare needs of the family caregiver goes unnoticed. 

Amidst the buzz surrounding presidential campaigns, one critical topic often goes unnoticed—support for family caregivers. While healthcare discussions frequently revolve around curing diseases, the lack of support has created a new syndrome. Caregiver stress and burden. Our government policy makers and even the disease specific organizations  overlook a major crisis: family caregivers.

In fact, unpaid family caregivers are the primary backbone of the US long-term care system, and this role will only become more critical as the aging population (65+) more than doubles between 2000 and 2030, growing from 35.1 million to 71.5 million, as reported by Coughlin, J. in a 2010 study.

Collectively, family caregivers have the power to make their voices heard. They are the linchpin of the long-term care system, preventing it from being overwhelmed and financially strained. However, this dedication often comes at personal costs. The lack of affordable respite is causing 63% of family caregivers developing serious illness or death, before the person they are caring for does. 

To bring about change and advocate for family caregiver relief, we invite you to share your stories and experiences. Help us raise awareness of our agenda among presidential candidates and your congressional representatives. 

Family caregiver statistics are bleak, and the situation will only worsen if adequate support is not provided. One of the key issues faced by family caregivers is the lack of affordable respite care. This allows caregivers time off from their caregiving duties.  Caregiver stress and burden  can lead to burnout and negatively impact their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

In response to these alarming figures, we want a Caregiver Relief Act to be introduced in Congress. It needs to provide family caregivers with a much-needed respite care benefit—allowing them time off from their caregiving duties. This respite care should be available on a regular and ongoing basis.  It should also offer payment for providing care, not just tax benefits. The average caregiving journey is between 6 to 8 years. The family caregiver goes without health care and a liveable wage. Many end up at poverty level when their caregiving journey.  

We are facing a crisis—a very real and very scary crisis.
 Fact: Within 2 years it is estimated that over 150 million people will need help in the form of a caregiver or care worker.

 Fact: 10,000 people a day are currently turning 65.

Fact: Direct care workers are leaving the industry in droves because of low pay, long hours and little support.

 Fact: If trends continue, seniors won’t be able to stay in their homes, and staffing shortages are making it impossible for nursing homes and other such facilities to take in more seniors.

 All of this adds up to a crisis the size of which we really have never seen in this sector before.

This legislative move could potentially ease the burden on family caregivers and allow them to take care of their own well-being. We urge you to join us in supporting this bill and ensuring that the voices of family caregivers are heard on the national stage during presidential campaigns. Let us work together towards creating a better future for all family caregivers and their loved ones. Together, we can make a difference. As we gear up for another round of presidential elections, let us not forget about the unspoken heroes of our society—family caregivers. Together, we can make a change and improve their lives for the better. 

The Caregiver Relief Act is a crucial step towards supporting family caregivers and acknowledging the significant contributions they make to society. It also highlights the need for more comprehensive policies that address their unique challenges.

Aging in America: How money and emotions fuel elder care decisions

Moreover, with an aging population, the demand for family caregivers will only continue to rise. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and above will reach 89 million, more than double the current figure. This calls for urgent action to support family caregivers and ensure their well-being.

As we approach presidential campaigns, it is crucial to bring attention to these issues and demand action from our leaders. Family caregivers deserve recognition and support for their tireless efforts in providing care to their loved ones.

Let us rally together and advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of family caregivers, including respite care options. By doing so, we can create a society that values and supports the vital role of family caregivers. Join us in raising awareness and standing up for family caregivers during this election season. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all caregivers. 

Every Signature and Every Single Caregiver Story Counts!

In order for Congress to notice our movement we have to be united in our mission. Make no mistake about it, this is very much a mission. 

A mission to:
·       Change the way direct care workers and caregivers are seen

·       Get more resources and support for the people tirelessly working in this field

·       Come together as an industry to show our solidarity and our strength

·       Get the US government to acknowledge that yes, there is a crisis that’s about to become a great deal worse if something isn’t done now…

 Signatures and stories about your journey are needed– Will Yours Be Among Them?

We need to show Congress that we mean business. This is our moment to bring attention to an industry and the people who represent the backbone of that industry: the Caregiving Industry.

Caregivers and direct care workers are what enable this country to support its aging populations. Without them, where would seniors be, to whom would they turn, and how would they be supported?

We need to bring attention to these vital resources and essential workers because sadly, up until now, they’ve been largely neglected and left off of the nation’s collective radar. Politicians have consistently promised to address the issues of the family caregiver and direct care worker. Then, when they were elected, those promises were never acted upon. 

We can change all that! With your help, we can force Congress to hear our demands and to enact much-needed changes within the caregiving industry…before it’s too late.

Together We Can Change the Caregiving Industry

If you are a family caregiver or direct care worker, know that we are here for you. We are NOT okay with the situation you often find yourself in. We are NOT okay with an industry that fails to give you access to the resources and support you desperately need to do your job. And we are NOT okay with a government that overlooks your invaluable contributions.