National Family Caregivers Month: Dates And Support Resources

National Family Caregivers Month recognizes the vital role of family caregivers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities and older generations. Understanding available resources and ensuring family members have adequate insurance coverage can ease the financial strain of caregiving and improve your life and the lives of those you care for.

National Family Caregivers Month is a monthlong observance during November that celebrates and supports family caregivers.

Caregivers and those looking to celebrate them should read on, as we'll cover more about National Family Caregivers Month, its purpose, history and how you can participate.

Key Takeaways

National Family Caregivers Month takes place each November to advocate for and support family caregivers.
Family caregivers informally assist chronically ill, disabled and older individuals, including family members, close friends or neighbors.
Community organizations may recognize family caregivers through appreciation events, educational programs and support resources.
Private health insurance generally doesn't pay family members for providing routine caregiving, but certain government and state programs may offer financial assistance.
Medicaid, some Medicare Advantage plans and long-term care insurance policies may help cover eligible caregiving-related services and expenses.

What Is National Family Caregivers Month?

National Family Caregivers Month celebrates and raises awareness of family caregivers nationwide. These caregivers support relatives and community members who struggle to care for themselves. National Family Caregivers Month helps Americans learn more about family caregivers, the challenges they face and how they can advocate for stronger caregiver support.

When Is National Family Caregivers Month?

National Family Caregivers Month is celebrated each November, from Sunday, Nov. 1, to Monday, Nov. 30, 2026.^[1] Rather than focusing on one day, Americans are encouraged to spend the month reflecting on the family caregivers in their lives — or their own role as a caregiver for a relative, friend or neighbor.

Why National Family Caregivers Month Matters

National Family Caregivers Month is an important time to honor and advocate for the millions of Americans who provide essential care and support to adults and children with medical conditions or disabilities. As of 2025, 63 million U.S. adults serve as family caregivers — roughly one-fourth of adults nationwide. This number has grown substantially over the previous decade, up 45% since 2015.^[2]

Despite their dedication, many caregivers face hardship because of their responsibilities. Nearly half report at least one negative financial impact from caregiving, such as being unable to save, taking on debt or depleting their short-term savings. These challenges can delay retirement or create financial instability.^[2]

Additionally, nearly one-fourth of caregivers struggle to maintain their own health while caring for another person, as family caregivers can experience added emotional stress and physical exhaustion that makes performing essential self-care more taxing.^[2][3]

National Family Caregivers Month recognizes the nation’s many family caregivers and the challenges they face. It also encourages advocacy for family caregiver support through tax credits, direct payment programs and partially paid leave, which can help prevent income loss while focusing on caregiving.

History of National Family Caregivers Month

The Caregiver Action Network, formerly known as the National Family Caregivers Association, established National Family Caregivers Month in 1994 to recognize the importance of family caregiving nationwide every November. In 1997, then-President Bill Clinton officially recognized National Family Caregivers Week with a signed proclamation. The observance has since expanded to a monthlong recognition and has been honored with a proclamation from each sitting U.S. president through 2024.^[1][4]

Each year, the Caregiver Action Network selects an official campaign for National Family Caregivers Month that focuses on a specific aspect of caregiver support. For example, in 2025, the month’s campaign, “Plug-in to Care,” focused on connecting caregivers with needed resources, tools and communities.^[5] In 2026, the theme is “Care Connects Us,” advocating for better connection between caregivers and support networks to offer help for this challenging role.^[6]

How To Celebrate and Support Family Caregivers

Below are a few ways you can honor and show appreciation for family caregivers in your life:

Provide respite by stepping in periodically to help a family caregiver relax and recharge, whether for a day, a weekend or even a weeklong break.
Check in and offer help with finances, health or emotional well-being. See if you can help with small, specific tasks, such as picking up groceries, cooking meals or taking a child to after-school activities rather than making vague or general offers.
Keep them involved in your life and social events, even if they’re often unavailable. About 24% of adult caregivers report feeling lonely — a factor that can directly affect their health.^[2]
Advocate for better government support for family caregivers (tax credits and direct payments) and more affordable local resources (home health aides, transportation and meal delivery, especially in rural areas) to meaningfully ease their financial burdens. Better training for health care professionals, plus access to respite care and emotional support services, can also improve caregivers’ quality of life.
Check your local community for potential events, such as yoga and massage therapy events for caregivers. Schools may hold art shows featuring caregiver stories during November.^[7]
Local organizations may distribute grocery or coffee gift cards to caregivers, which can help lower daily expenses.
Offer to recognize caregivers through small gifts, thoughtful cards and kind messages.

Financial Assistance for Daily Caregivers

The financial strain of providing daily caregiving services can be taxing, but caregivers have several options for financial support. Some of the means to reduce costs can include:^[8][9]

State-Sponsored Paid Family Leave: Expanded federal family leave to provide paid leave for up to 12 weeks for caregiving, although specifics may vary between states. Currently only available in 12 states as of 2026.
Employer-Sponsored Paid Family Leave: Availability and specifics vary between employers.
Accelerated Death Benefit: Life insurance may provide your policy’s death benefit early to help with care if the covered family member has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Selling Your Life Insurance Policy: A family member who needs caregiving may be able to sell their life insurance policy through a viatical or life settlement, depending on whether they have a terminal illness or expect a long life expectancy upon needing care.
Caregiver Grants: Provide funding for family caregiving through government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private groups. For example, the National Family Caregiver Support Program offers grants for training, respite care, supplemental services and more.^[10]

Does Insurance Cover Family Caregiving?

Most private health insurance doesn’t directly cover family caregivers, but there are a few ways they can reduce their financial burdens:^[11]

Coverage or program	Potential caregiver benefit	Important limitation
Medicaid	Some state programs pay eligible family caregivers	State and program rules vary
Original Medicare	Certain medically necessary home health services; eligible dementia-care support through GUIDE	Generally does not pay relatives for routine custodial caregiving
Medicare Advantage	Some plans offer supplemental in-home or caregiver-related support	Benefits vary by plan and eligibility
Long-term care insurance	May reimburse qualifying home-care expenses	Policy terms determine whether family-provided care qualifies

Medicare and Paid Family Caregiving

Several Medicaid programs, such as Personal Care Services (PCS) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), may pay family caregivers for providing care. However, program details, including payment amounts, vary by state. The care recipient must also qualify for Medicaid in their state, which usually requires having limited income or assets.^[12]

Medicare and Medicare Advantage

While family caregiving isn’t covered under Original Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans include caregiving support. As of 2025, a pilot program called GUIDE was introduced to expand Original Medicare coverage for limited assistance to unpaid family caregivers of people with dementia, including training and respite services.^[13][14]

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance can cover certain expenses related to informal, at-home care. However, eligibility requirements and exclusions apply. Some policies may deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions, so you often need to purchase a long-term care insurance policy or rider before you need care.^[12]

National Family Caregivers Month at a Glance

Below is the essential information you should know about National Family Caregivers Month:

National Family Caregivers Month is a November observance that provides resources for caregivers and advocates for increased support.
This observance began in 1994 and was officially recognized as a federal observance in 1997.
Local community efforts often take place during the observance to provide resources and support for family caregivers.
Private health insurance typically doesn’t cover family caregiving, but various groups may offer financial assistance.
Some forms of insurance, such as Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance, can cover family caregivers.

Government and Community Resources for Caregivers

Various resources are available to assist caregivers from both the government and your community:^[15]

MedlinePlus through the National Institutes of Health
Mental Health and Additional Insurance Help through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Medicare.gov
The National Institute on Aging
Administration for Community Living through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Alzheimers.gov
Eldercare Locator through the Administration for Community Living

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a family caregiver?

A family caregiver — also known as an informal caregiver — is a spouse, family member, friend or neighbor who helps an older adult or someone with a chronic condition or disability with daily tasks. They may serve as a primary or secondary caregiver and can live either with or separately from the person receiving care.^[16]

What color represents National Family Caregivers Month?

Caregivers are often associated with the color purple or lavender.^[17]

Does insurance cover family caregivers?

Some types of insurance — such as long-term care insurance and Medicaid — can help cover family caregivers.^[12] While Original Medicare doesn’t provide this coverage, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited support.^[14]

What symbol represents a caregiver?

A caregiver symbol is often a looped awareness ribbon in lavender, the hue associated with caregiver appreciation.^[17]

What is the purpose of National Family Caregivers Month?

National Family Caregivers Month celebrates and raises awareness of the difficulties family caregivers face by providing resources and information about this role.

What financial assistance is available for family caregivers?

Family caregivers can get financial assistance through state programs, private organizations, nonprofit groups and various grants.

Sources

Quiet Life Creative. “National Family Caregivers Month.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
National Alliance for Caregiving. “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 - AARP Research Report,” Pages 7, 9, 46. Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “National Family Caregivers Month.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
The White House. “A Proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month, 2024.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Caregiver Action Network. “National Family Caregivers Month 2025.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Caregiver Action Network. “Care Connects Us: Resources for Caregivers.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Easterseals Arkansas. “Get Ready for this National Family Caregivers Month.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
National Council on Aging. “Finding Financial Assistance for Family Caregivers.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Caregiver Action Network. “Financial Assistance for Caregivers To Cover Caregiving Costs.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Administration for Community Living. “National Family Caregiver Support Program.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Aging Care. “How To Pay for Home Care - AgingCare.com.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
National Council on Aging. “Five Ways Family Caregivers Can Get Paid.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
GoodRx. “Does Medicare Pay Family Caregivers?” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Family Caregiver Alliance. “Definitions.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Resources for Caregivers.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.
Pulse Uniform. “Awareness Ribbons Guide Colors and Meanings.” Accessed Oct. 26, 2026.

National Family Caregivers Month 2026: Support and Resources

Preston Micalizio

Richard Murphy

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