Hospice News
Source: This content was published by Hospice News
Read original articleSource: Hospice News, June 2025
Nearly half, or 48%, of US states are facing "critical" or "high-risk" family caregiving situations requiring urgent attention and greater intervention by policymakers, according to a recent study conducted by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
The findings highlight a growing crisis that directly impacts hospice care delivery and the families who depend on it.
Family caregivers play a vital role in supporting loved ones experiencing challenging health circumstances, but many are reaching a breaking point:
- 53 million Americans currently provide unpaid care to family members
- Average caregiving duration exceeds 4 years
- 61% of caregivers report experiencing high levels of stress
- 40% of family caregivers provide more than 40 hours of care per week
The economic value of unpaid family caregiving is estimated at $600 billion annually - nearly twice the actual cost of paid home care and nursing home services combined.
Yet caregivers face:
The hospice model assumes the presence of a primary caregiver who can:
When caregivers are overwhelmed, the entire hospice model is strained.
Leading hospice providers are expanding support services:
24/7 Access to Support:
Care Coordination:
Support Resources:
According to Steven Lee, co-founder and CEO of ianacare, "more innovative care models and disease-specific reimbursement options have widened pathways for hospice providers to improve family caregiver support."
Examples include:
Recently proposed federal initiatives have included:
However, to date, none of these have come to fruition.
Advocates are calling for:
1. Financial support - Tax credits, stipends, or wages for family caregivers
2. Workplace protections - Expanded FMLA and paid leave policies
3. Training and education - Free caregiving skill-building programs
4. Respite care funding - Subsidized temporary relief care
5. Mental health support - Counseling and therapy coverage
6. Healthcare coverage - Protecting caregivers' own health insurance
States identified as "critical" or "high-risk" typically have:
States with stronger caregiver support offer:
Don't suffer in silence:
1. Ask for help - Use all available hospice support services
2. Join support groups - Connect with others facing similar challenges
3. Request respite care - Take breaks to avoid burnout
4. Speak up - Tell policymakers about your experiences
5. Set boundaries - It's okay to say no and protect your own health
As a hospice family caregiver, you're entitled to:
National resources for caregivers:
- Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org
- AARP Caregiving Resource Center: aarp.org/caregiving
- Caregiver Action Network: caregiveraction.org
- Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov
- ianacare Platform: ianacare.com
The hospice industry recognizes that supporting family caregivers is not optional - it's essential to the mission.
Leading organizations are:
This crisis requires action from:
- Policymakers - Pass meaningful caregiver support legislation
- Employers - Offer flexible work arrangements and paid leave
- Healthcare systems - Integrate caregiver support into care models
- Communities - Build volunteer and mutual aid networks
- Families - Have honest conversations about care needs early
Despite the crisis, there are reasons for optimism:
The question is: Will change come fast enough to help the millions of families currently struggling?
If you're a family caregiver:
1. Connect with your hospice social worker about available support
2. Join a support group (virtual or in-person)
3. Contact your elected representatives about caregiver legislation
4. Share your story to raise awareness
5. Prioritize your own health - you can't pour from an empty cup
If you're not a caregiver:
1. Support caregiving friends and neighbors with practical help
2. Advocate for policy changes that support family caregivers
3. Consider volunteering with hospice or caregiving organizations
4. Educate yourself so you're prepared if caregiving becomes necessary
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Source: Hospice News, June 2025 | Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Study
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