Unpaid caregiving in the U.S. creates significant mental health and economic pressure

Unpaid caregiving in the United States represents a massive, often overlooked service, with an AARP report indicating that nearly 50 million people provided unpaid care to individuals with disabilities or complex medical needs in 2024. If this labor were monetized, its value would exceed $1 trillion.

Caregivers face various forms of strain, including physical stress from assisting with daily activities, emotional and psychological stress regarding a loved one's health, and cognitive stress caused by role overload. These responsibilities often force individuals to reduce work hours or leave employment, impacting both personal careers and financial stability.

Community organizations like the Brooklyn-based CABS Health Network aim to support these families by providing integrated services, including home care, intensive care management, housing support, and medically tailored meals, to help navigate increasingly complex healthcare and insurance landscapes.