The Hidden Struggle Behind Thanksgiving Celebrations

Thanksgiving is often seen as a time for gratitude and togetherness. But for many families, it's a stark reminder of the caregiving crisis in America. Last week, a powerful essay highlighted the struggles of a daughter caring for her aging father. This is not an isolated story. Millions of Americans face similar challenges every day. Across the country, adult children juggle holiday celebrations with caregiving responsibilities. They drive home with casseroles and pill organizers, set alarms for nighttime care, and watch over loved ones with dementia. The emotional toll is immense, with caregivers feeling torn between duty and exhaustion. The caregiving crisis in America is severe. Over 63 million Americans provide unpaid care to older adults, contributing a staggering $600 billion in labor. This is a massive burden that often goes unnoticed. Long-term care options are shrinking, with nursing homes closing and assisted living costs soaring beyond the reach of average families. Despite the scale of the problem, caregiving is often seen as a private issue. This invisibility allows the crisis to grow unchecked. Policymakers and voters need to recognize the severity of the situation to demand change. Thanksgiving highlights the gap between the myth of family togetherness and the reality of caregiving struggles. As the population ages, the demand for care will only increase. Yet, the supply of direct-care workers is projected to fall short by hundreds of thousands. Efforts like CareYaya aim to address the workforce shortage by training and supporting college students to provide in-home care. However, this is just a small step. America needs a comprehensive national care strategy, including better wages for care workers, new financing models, and expanded immigration pathways. Thanksgiving offers a glimpse into the lives of caregivers. While some see abundance, others see the fatigue, loneliness, and lack of support. To truly honor caregivers, we must redesign the care system to support them. The holiday may end, but the caregiving responsibilities continue. It's time to build a care system that is worthy of the families who have been carrying the burden for so long.