More than 70 million people provide essential support that helps older adults and people with disabilities live independently. Family caregivers provide the majority of long-term support, and the direct care workforce delivers critical daily services in homes and communities. Together, they are the backbone of America’s long-term care system.
This page highlights information and programs that support the work of the aging and disability networks and others engaged in strengthening supports for caregivers and the direct care workforce. Through national leadership and targeted investments, ACL works to promote health and safety, help prevent unnecessary institutional care, and build a more resilient long-term services and supports infrastructure.
Featured: The Power of Caregivers for a Healthy America
HHS and ACL hosted a national event to recognize family caregivers and the direct care workforce for their essential roles in helping people live independently in their homes and communities. Highlights: senior federal leaders, firsthand stories, prize competition announcement. Event recap
ACL efforts to advance caregiving
ACL provides strategic leadership on caregiving by bringing together federal and non-federal partners to align national strategies and strengthen systems. Through two advisory councils, ACL administers implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, advancing nearly 350 near-term actions.
ACL-funded programs
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National Family Caregiver Support Program: Funds training, counseling, respite, and other services
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Native American Caregiver Support Services Program: Supports caregivers of tribal elders
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Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center: Assists states to improve recruitment, retention, and training
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National Caregiver Support Collaborative: Advances assessment, supportive services, and data collection
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State Implementation Grants: Advances implementation of the national strategy
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Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network:Provides technical assistance to agencies and organizations
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Lifespan Respite Care Program: Expands the availability and quality of respite services for caregivers
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Community Care Corps:Develops volunteer programs that provide non-medical assistance
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Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative: Expands dementia-capable home and community-based services
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Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Service: Supports those with a history of trauma and their caregivers
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Community of Practice for Supporting Families of Individuals with I/DD:Drives state systems change
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Bridging the Aging and Disabilities Networks: Builds capacity to enhance state systems
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University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: Offers guides, webinars, and training
Research and innovation
ACL supports applied research and rapid innovation to strengthen caregiving, improve outcomes, and expand access to effective supports.