That role may include physical assistance, emotional support, advocacy and care coordination, health monitoring, and long-term care planning.
For many of us who have assumed the role of family caregiver (or had it thrust upon us), this crucial role in a loved one’s life in some ways defines us, yet at the same time, it often becomes an overlooked characteristic of who we are.
Without taking anything away from the person who is being cared for and the challenges they face, I find it heartbreaking that as cancer survivors beat their disease and come out on the other side of a diagnosis, we never really think about the family caregiver who traveled that journey with them.
When an older adult finally succumbs to the ravages of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, they are remembered by family and friends for the person they used to be and the milestones and achievements they accomplished. However, the family caregiver is rarely recognized in the process.
When do we show up for family caregivers? When are they honored for their caring and sacrifice, their power of love that transcended the disease, and their contributions to navigating an often complex and unpredictable journey?
Family caregivers have endured the journey, too, and it may have altered them in many ways.
Sometimes, it takes a person in the public eye to raise awareness of a cause.
As an organization advocating for family caregivers in our community, I am heartened by celebrities who are raising awareness of caregivers’ needs and value.
Rosalynn Carter was a passionate and dedicated advocate for caregivers throughout her life. Her efforts shaped how society views caregiving, especially in the context of aging and disabilities.
Maria Shriver, whose personal experience with caregiving began when she cared for her father, Sargent Shriver, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, is a prominent advocate for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. Her advocacy efforts have focused on raising awareness, providing resources, and pushing for systemic change to support caregivers.
Bradley Cooper took on a hands-on caregiving role to support his mother during her lung cancer illness. He has spoken publicly about the emotional and physical toll that caregiving took on him, particularly as he navigated the responsibilities of his career while also tending to his mother’s needs.
He has used his platform to raise awareness about the challenges caregivers face. He often speaks about the importance of support for caregivers and advocates for greater recognition of their needs, especially regarding mental health and emotional well-being.
As Executive Producer, Cooper will soon debut a two-hour documentary, premiering June 24 on PBS, centered on the personal experiences of caregivers providing for loved ones, and the challenges and triumphs they face each day.
Emma Heming Willis will soon debut a book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, a compassionate support guide that helps caregivers care for themselves while they navigate a loved one’s dementia.
As a family caregiver in our community, I want you to know you are not alone. We see you and want to celebrate and support you. On May 6, 2025, Senior Concerns will hold its 7th annual Caregiver Recognition Day, providing family caregivers with the opportunity to renew their spirits and enjoy an uplifting and empowering program. It is a free event for anyone caring for an aging loved one. To register, go to https://www.seniorconcerns.org/crd2025registration/.
Oh, and Ms. Shriver, Mr. Cooper, or Ms. Heming Willis, if you’d like to send a video message for our community’s caregivers to hear on Caregiver Recognition Day, give us a call. We’d be honored.
