Cookie Jones, left, quit her job to provide care to her mother who has Alzheimer's disease. Caregivers often earn less as they take time off work to help aging family members. Tyler Russell/Connecticut Public via Getty Images hide caption
October 28, 2026 • A new study from AARP shows caregivers' out-of-pocket costs rose about 60% in the last five years.
March 28, 2026 • People who care for an adult child, partner or sibling have to face the reality that their loved may outlive them. Planning ahead is key but it's not easy.
After caring for his brother, who has schizophrenia, for many years Mitul Desai started a company to support caregivers like him. José A. Alvarado Jr. for NPR hide caption
December 31, 2025 • When it comes to serious mental illness, family caregivers are crucial partners. But often, they must fend for themselves. A new solution offers them support.
The Care Can't Wait coalition has advocated for federal support for family caregivers, including advocating for the Build Back Better bill in 2021. Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Unbendable Media hide caption
December 30, 2025 • Family members carry the burden and costs of caring for America's aging population. Federal policy change is slow to come but a new movement and state actions are building momentum.
October 18, 2025 • Family caregivers offer their wit, wisdom and survival tips for the hardest unpaid job in America.
Caregiving traces the history — and unique challenges of — caring for family members in the U.S. In the documentary, viewers meet caregivers like Malcoma Brown-Ekeogu, who now helps her husband, Kenneth, with even his most basic needs, like walking and bathing. "I never let him see me cry," she says. Ark Media hide caption
June 20, 2025 • A new documentary on PBS shows what it's like to care for adult family members and recounts the history of caregiving policy in the U.S., revealing why those caring for family are often on their own.
Medicaid pays for nursing home care and for some in-home and community based care, such as aides like Lidia Vilorio, who gives her patient Martina Negron her medicine and a snack in her home on May 5, 2021, in Haverstraw, N.Y. Proposed cuts to Medicaid could hit such home-based services first, making life harder for family caregivers. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption
April 14, 2025 • The federal program is the biggest source of money for long-term care for the elderly and disabled. Republican proposals to cut its budget could jeopardize supports family and caregivers rely on.
Amanda Cruz took care of her mother, who died of cancer late last year. The experience changed her sense of identity. She is still sorting through what that means. Laura Bilson for NPR hide caption
April 1, 2025 • Helping a sick family member over months or years can be an enormous strain. It can also disrupt your identity. Psychologists say embracing this change can open up new ways for caregivers to cope.
Dakota Heath, 26, and Jordyn Glick, 27, at their apartment building in Lubbock, Texas. Heath takes care of Glick, who has an unpredictable and painful gastrointestinal disorder. Roughly a quarter of family caregivers are young adults. Annie Rice for NPR hide caption
December 23, 2024 • Caregiving responsibilities can cut young people off from peers and interrupt their emerging life story. And there's been little research or support directed at this group. That's starting to change.
Young girl assisting a senior man in a wheelchair at park, Support, Help and Assistance, World Disability Day uniquepixel/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption
November 21, 2024 • Many who care for family members and loved ones at home say it can be very stressful but also rich in meaning. Share your story and insights.
Dawn Shedrick, left, is one of roughly 106 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. For 30 years, Shedrick taken care of her mother, Nathalia Shedrick, right, who has multiple sclerosis. Eugene Richards for NPR hide caption
October 31, 2024 • Some 106 million people provide unpaid care for an adult in the U.S. Many feel invisible and profoundly lonely. But some are creating new ways to support each other.
