PolicyBrief
S.RES. 502
119th CongressNov 18th 2025
A resolution recognizing November 2025 as "National Family Caregivers Month".
SENATE PASSED

This resolution officially recognizes November 2025 as National Family Caregivers Month to honor and advocate for the millions of Americans providing unpaid care to loved ones.

Susan Collins
R

Susan Collins

Senator

ME

LEGISLATION

Senate Resolution Acknowledges 63 Million Unpaid Caregivers in November 2025

This resolution is short, sweet, and focused purely on recognition: The Senate is officially designating November 2025 as "National Family Caregivers Month." It’s a commemorative move, not a legislative one, meaning it doesn't create new laws or funding, but it does shine a spotlight on a massive, often invisible workforce.

The resolution starts by putting a dollar amount on the work family caregivers do, noting that the 63 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. provide care valued at an estimated $600 billion annually. That's a staggering number, making their contribution larger than many major industries. These are the people—often women—who are supporting loved ones with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or the challenges of aging, frequently at the cost of their own finances, health, and social life.

The $600 Billion Unpaid Economy

When we talk about policy, we usually focus on budgets and jobs. This resolution reminds us of the massive, critical infrastructure that runs on zero budget: family caregiving. The text specifically commends the 63 million individuals providing this essential, unpaid care every day. For the average person, this means recognizing that the co-worker who has to leave early for a doctor’s appointment or the neighbor juggling work calls with managing medication is part of this huge, stretched-thin demographic.

Highlighting Existing Support

While the resolution doesn’t create new policy, it does point readers toward existing efforts. It specifically recognizes that the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers is an important guide for improving support. This is the government’s way of saying, “We know this is a problem, and here’s the existing blueprint we should be following.” For a busy person, this reference is a signal to look up that 2022 strategy—it’s where the actual policy proposals and resources live.

Ultimately, this resolution is about public awareness and validation. It encourages everyone to learn more about family caregiving and offer support to neighbors and loved ones who are providing care. It’s a formal nod to the fact that supporting a loved one is demanding, expensive, and critical work that deserves recognition, even if the legislative muscle to provide direct financial relief isn't attached to this specific piece of paper.