Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers. The national observance is led by Caregiver Action Network (CAN), a nonprofit that provides free education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers. CAN selected the 2024 theme, I Care..., to highlight the importance of self-recognition and self-identity — key factors in caregivers’ access to essential support. According to CAN, more than half of those providing care in the U.S. don’t recognize themselves as caregivers. As a result, many do not connect with supports that can make a difference throughout their caregiving journeys. Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S. Many family caregivers work and provide care, experiencing conflicts between competing responsibilities. Research indicates that caregiving takes a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. ACL is a proud observer of NFCM, but we work year-round through programs and councils to support and empower family caregivers. Visit our observance webpage to learn about the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers and our recent progress report to Congress, ACL’s National Caregiver Support Collaborative website, and much more.
