More adults are providing care later in life — often while juggling their own health needs, finances, and daily responsibilities. Family caregivers ages 50 and older play a critical role in supporting loved ones with complex needs, yet many postpone their own medical care, experience social isolation, and face growing financial strain as they scale back work or retire early to provide care. These pressures can undermine caregivers’ health and stability at the very time their support is most needed.

In a West Health Mosaic blog post, CHCS senior program officer Torshira Moffett, MPH, describes the realities facing older family caregivers and highlights opportunities for states, employers, and communities to better support them. It explores approaches to strengthen caregiver engagement, ease financial burdens through tax credits and paid leave, and promote caregiver-friendly workplace policies — with the goal of sustaining family caregivers as a vital part of the long-term care system.