Twenty-four states are at a critical or high risk of experiencing an unpaid family caregiving emergency, according to a study published by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health on May 20. 
 
The value and intensity of unpaid family caregiving are increasing, the study authors explain. This is especially true in rural communities, where labor shortages are increasing the difficulty of caregiving.  
 
The study reviewed how factors like demographics, healthcare infrastructures and economic conditions impact unpaid family caregivers. The results suggest caregiver labor has an equivalent value of billions of dollars in several states. 
 
Dementia care is a driving factor of the high valuation of this labor — 39.7% of the study’s total caregiving valuation is due to dementia care, and this proportion is expected to climb as dementia diagnoses rise. 
 
The study authors recommend that states explore and invest in new, long-term solutions to support the unpaid caregiving workforce and meet growing demands. For example, they suggest that states develop and fund support programs that provide these critical caregivers with financial assistance, training and respite care. 
 
More info for HHL Readers: