It's a complicated question and answers may vary depending upon whom you ask. Physicians may give an
answer different from social workers and researchers may undoubtedly quote statistics. However, if you
really want to know who America's family caregivers are, you need to ask them directly.
America's family caregivers are family, friends, partners, and neighbors. To better understand the
experience and the meaning of being a family caregiver go to The National Family Caregiver Story
Project. The NFCA Story Project is a collection of first-person accounts by family caregivers. It is
the gateway to becoming part of a growing group of family caregivers who have reached out to share their
thoughts, feelings and find solace in the words of others. As you read the stories of America's family
caregivers you may find yourself nodding in recognition and find the answers to Who are America's
Caregivers?
Research and Statistics:
NFCA Research and Reports have focused largely, but not exclusively, on those family caregivers who
provide significant levels of care. One aspect of our research has sought to better understand how to
communicate effectively with family caregivers, since so many are uncomfortable with calling themselves
anything other than a spouse, a parent, or a loving adult child.
There is an extensive body of family caregiver research available on many different aspects of the
caregiving experience. You can find out more about the financial, physical and emotional impact of
family caregiving as well as information on family caregivers at work and in the healthcare system
in the Caregiver Statistics section of this site.
Listen to Suzanne Mintz, president of NFCA, talk about family caregivers.
Click here for the video on YouTube.
Suzanne Mintz on Women's Radio.com November 2007
Click here to listen to the audio of Suzanne's interview with Pat Lynch, Host of "Speak Up!"
