There are approximately 100 million caregivers in the United States providing care to a child, parent, or other relative—a number that will only grow as our population ages. For them, every day is National Caregivers Day. While their work may not always be publicly recognized, to the person they care for, their actions mean everything. On this National Caregivers Day, let’s change the narrative by coming together to support this often invisible labor force—the backbone that makes so much else possible in this country.
If you’re a current or former caregiver, consider this my heartfelt praise shouted from the rooftops just for you. I know firsthand how hard you work day after day—the sleepless nights spent worrying about the “what-ifs,” the endless questioning of whether you’re doing enough, and the additional stress that every new challenge brings. I remember those moments all too well, balancing a full-time job with nightly visits to the nursing home to care for my grandmother. Would my phone wake me in the middle of the night with news that my grandmother had fallen while trying to get out of bed? Would my morning begin with a call from a social worker telling me she seemed more agitated than usual? Those years of caring for her were some of my most challenging—but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
One of the hardest aspects of caregiving is the isolation. It’s difficult to maintain your own life when so much of your time and energy is devoted to someone else’s. But I was fortunate to have a community that found small ways to support me—whether it was a friend sending me money for coffee along with an encouraging note, or someone offering to accompany me to the nursing home just so I wouldn’t have to go alone. Every gesture, no matter how small, meant the world.
So, if you know a caregiver in your life, here are a few meaningful ways to support them:
Take an errand off their plate: Time is a caregiver’s most precious commodity. Even simple tasks like grocery shopping or picking up a prescription take away from moments they could spend with their loved one—or on themselves. If you have extra time in your day, offer to pick up food or drop off a care package for the caregiver and their loved one. If possible, even join them for a meal. Sometimes, just having company makes all the difference.
Offer respite care: There’s so much that falls by the wayside when you’re a caregiver. But self-care shouldn’t be one of them. If you can, offer to spend a few hours with their loved one so the caregiver can take care of themselves—whether that means getting a haircut, running a personal errand, or finally making it to their own doctor’s appointment.
Give them a lift: When my grandmother was still living at home, she had a neighbor whose daughter visited often. Over time, that neighbor’s daughter became an extra set of eyes for me—checking in, keeping me updated, and even taking my grandmother to some of her doctor’s appointments so I wouldn’t have to take time off work. It was a huge help, not only for me but for my grandmother, who felt comfortable with her. Having someone else there to offer insight into how my grandmother was doing, and what additional resources she might need, was invaluable.
Help them locate resources: While there are plenty of resources available for caregivers, finding and accessing them is time-consuming and overwhelming. When I had to transition my grandmother into a long-term care facility, a friend helped me research reviews and pricing. While trying to make the best decision for her, there were things I hadn’t even thought to look into—like cost. A little guidance in the right direction can make a world of difference.
Celebrate them: Who doesn’t love an unexpected gift? Thoughtful gestures, no matter how small, remind caregivers that they are seen and appreciated. Whether it’s putting together a care package from their favorite store, dropping off fresh-cut flowers, or simply writing them a heartfelt note, these moments of recognition go a long way.
Caregiving is a journey no one should have to navigate alone. By offering support, even in small ways, you can help lighten their load and remind them that they matter, too. Take a moment today to reach out to a caregiver in your life—offer a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply let them know they are not forgotten. Your kindness can make all the difference.
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