America's Unseen Workforce: The State of Family Caregiving

This report, titled 'America's Unseen Workforce: The State of Family Caregiving,' is a study conducted by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and sponsored by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. The study analyzes various factors at the state level that influence unpaid family caregivers, particularly in the context of a shrinking healthcare workforce and increasing dementia prevalence. It highlights the urgent need for state-level policy changes to address the caregiver crisis, emphasizing the importance of financial assistance, training, and support for caregivers. The report introduces a scorecard categorizing states based on their caregiving needs, identifying those at critical risk and those well-supported. It also discusses the significant economic value of unpaid caregiving, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. The findings advocate for enhanced collaboration between state and federal policymakers to improve support for family caregivers, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and recognition for their contributions.