National Family Caregivers Month: How and Why to Celebrate

November 13, 2025

Granddaughter giving hot drink to her grandmother at home. Elderly care

If you care for a loved one, you’re not alone. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that there are 53 million family caregivers across the country. To celebrate and encourage caregivers who provide free care to loved ones, the Caregiver Action Network created National Family Caregivers Month, which takes place every November.

“Family caregivers have valuable insight into the life and health of their loved ones, but are seldom acknowledged,” says Dr. Mark Lachs, The Irene and Roy Psaty Distinguished Professor of Medicine and co-chief of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. “That has to change.”

How to Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month

Family and social support may reduce caregiver stress, depression and other common issues. How can you recognize and honor family caregivers who care for loved ones all year long? Try these ideas during National Family Caregivers Month 2025.

Bring food. Caregivers are used to doing everything for their loved ones. Take a little pressure off of them by making dinner and dropping it off.
Give a caregiver a break. Going to the store, taking a walk or visiting a primary care provider can be hard for caregivers. You can make it a little easier. Offer to sit with their loved ones for an hour or two, so the caregiver can run errands or just have some alone time.
Stay in touch. Caregiving can be isolating. By keeping in contact, you help family caregivers feel less alone. You also increase the likelihood that they’ll reach out to you when they need help.

If you’re a caregiver, use National Family Caregivers Month to identify resources that can help you care for your loved ones better. A good start is to consider ways caregivers can better care for themselves.

Why National Family Caregivers Month Matters

There are many reasons to celebrate the Caregiver Action Network’s National Family Caregivers Month. Here are three of them.

America is aging. SAMHSA estimates that by 2034, there will be more Americans over age 65 than under 18. We’ve never had so many potential care recipients at one time.
Caregiver support prevents burnout and worse. “Caregivers often neglect their own health, their own wellbeing and their own needs,” says Dr. Catherine Riffin, assistant professor of psychology in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. National Family Caregivers Month aims to raise awareness of caregiver issues, with the hope of leading to increased support for family caregivers.
Family caregiving is a volunteer position. Those who care for chronically ill or older adults in their family provide approximately $600 billion of care every year, according to SAMHSA. They do all of this without receiving a single paycheck for their efforts.

Conclusion

National Family Caregivers Month is a unique opportunity to celebrate those who care for loved ones and develop a strategy to support family caregivers.

You can support caregivers by staying in touch and offering to serve them in small, meaningful ways.
If you’re a caregiver, seek out resources to avoid burnout and continue providing quality care for your loved one.
With America’s aging population, the need for family caregivers is greater than ever. Proper support prevents burnout and encourages those called to family caregiving.

If you’re a family caregiver, it’s essential to prioritize your own health. Weill Cornell Medicine is home to compassionate experts ready to provide the same care you provide your loved one. Find a doctor today.