The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Community Living (ACL), has submitted a progress report to Congress on the federal implementation of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The strategy outlines a vision, establishes goals, and provides recommendations to ensure family caregivers receive necessary support and resources. It includes commitments from 15 federal agencies to nearly 350 actions, most of which are either completed or in progress, with almost 40 new actions added since the strategy's release.

“With the actions described in this report, we have created new initiatives that directly support family caregivers, strengthened existing programs, and improved coordination across the federal government,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “These accomplishments represent real change and real improvement in the lives of family caregivers. They reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the care infrastructure, which is an important component of the Administration’s broader strategy to strengthen the U.S. economy, reduce health care costs, and improve the health and well-being of Americans.”

Alison Barkoff, who leads ACL, emphasized the importance of supporting family caregivers: “Without the support family caregivers provide, millions of people would not be able to continue living and participating in their communities. Ensuring they have the support they need is a critical issue that affects everyone.” She noted that achieving these goals requires contributions from every level of government and sector.

Over 53 million Americans annually provide various forms of assistance to older adults or persons with disabilities. Additionally, many grandparents and other kinship caregivers take in children who cannot stay with their parents. The number of family caregivers is increasing due to growing populations of disabled individuals and older adults as well as issues like the opioid crisis.

Family caregivers play a crucial role in long-term care; replacing their unpaid services with paid ones would cost an estimated $600 billion each year. However, without adequate training and support, caregivers often face health issues themselves and financial instability due to lost income estimated at $522 billion annually.

The National Strategy was developed by two advisory councils—the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren—with extensive input from both family caregivers and those they assist. The strategy identifies pressing needs as defined by these groups and offers over two dozen legislative recommendations along with more than 150 actionable suggestions for various stakeholders.

Jeff Hild from ACF highlighted ongoing partnerships aimed at supporting grandfamilies: “The Administration for Children and Families continues to partner with ACL in our shared goal of supporting grandfamilies...to prevent unnecessary involvement in the child welfare system.”

HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson reiterated HRSA's commitment: “At HRSA, we are committed to empowering caregivers by expanding access to resources...to deliver person-centered care.”

CDC Director Dr. Mandy K. Cohen pointed out caregiving challenges: "Caregiving can lead to physical, emotional, and financial strain," adding that CDC supports caregiver health through initiatives like BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act.

CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure underscored ongoing efforts: "Today’s report...demonstrates accomplishments...in strengthening caregiver support." She emphasized continued work towards improving caregiver conditions under President Biden's administration.

NIH Director Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli noted NIH's focus on research benefiting both patients and their caregivers: “Recognizing acute needs...NIH continues funding research promoting health...with emphasis on broad applicability."

SAMHSA leader Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon stressed mental health support for caregivers: "It’s important that we help get them [caregivers] support...including increasing capacity for states...and preventing suicide among caregivers."

Dr. Tisamarie Sherry highlighted diverse caregiver needs: "Caregivers are from diverse communities across America..." stressing service provision tailored towards varied requirements as part of strategic expansion efforts.

The progress update was delivered to relevant Senate Committee on Health Education Labor Pensions & House Committee Education Labor; future reports will address emerging policy considerations impacting caregiving sectors while analyzing strategic impacts further.

For more information about related councils visit ACL.gov/RAISE & ACL.gov/SGRG.