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America’s caregiver crisis is also a mental health crisis
The shortage is pushing more caregivers toward stress and burnout, while families and employers struggle to fill care gaps, the report says.
Nearly 63 million Americans provide unpaid care, with those supporting adults aged 50 and older averaging 26 hours of care weekly. This intense commitment frequently disrupts professional responsibilities and personal well-being across families.
Caregiving duties often lead to frequent mental distress, isolation, and anticipatory grief according to CDC research. Furthermore, these caregivers spend roughly $7,200 annually on out-of-pocket expenses related to their responsibilities.
Half of employed caregivers reported work disruptions, including arriving late or leaving early due to caregiving duties. These struggles often force individuals to choose between maintaining jobs and providing necessary support for loved ones.
Mental health professionals emphasize that caregivers deserve support to manage this complex role and avoid burnout. Addressing the mental health component of the caregiving crisis requires practical help that makes daily responsibilities manageable.
The federal Eldercare Locator connects families with local services, while online platforms like BetterHelp offer therapy options for managing daily responsibilities. These resources provide necessary relief for those navigating caregiving challenges.