Caregivers Deserve More Than Applause

By Apex Health Advocates

Every day, across America, more than 53 million people provide unpaid care for a loved one. Most are women. They are daughters, wives, sisters, and mothers — showing up consistently to help aging parents, chronically ill spouses, or family members with disabilities.

They manage medications, coordinate doctor visits, provide meals, assist with mobility, and navigate complex insurance systems. Often, they do all of this while juggling jobs, raising children, and managing their own health.

The emotional, physical, and financial toll is real — and yet, the support is often minimal.

The Cost of Care Is Rising

• Private-duty caregivers: $30–$45/hour or more

• Assisted living: $6,000–$10,000/month in many metro areas

• Skilled nursing: $100,000+ per year

To make care work, families are relying on creative strategies:

• Using home equity to fund caregiving needs

• Leveraging long-term care insurance or life insurance riders

• Coordinating part-time help through informal networks

• Planning for Medicaid eligibility or spousal protections

Policy May Help — But Planning Matters Now

There are legislative proposals, like the Credit for Caring Act, that aim to provide relief. But we know support for caregivers can’t wait. Financial tools, proactive planning, and expert guidance are essential.

At Apex Health Advocates, we help families prepare for the cost of care with confidence. Because when caregiving responsibilities arrive, they rarely do so on a convenient timeline.

Caregivers don’t ask for praise.

But they certainly deserve it.

https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5396823-bipartisan-reform-for-caregivers/