Addressing Informal Caregiver Burnout in the United States: Policies, Interventions, and Recommendations

Informal caregiver burnout has been and will continue to be a significant public health concern in the United States, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of initiatives and policies to reduce its negative impacts. This paper provides an overview of existing approaches to address caregiver burnout at the individual, community, and national level, identifying critical gaps in policies and programs. By highlighting successful approaches in other developed countries, this paper presents comprehensive program and policy recommendations to strengthen informal caregiver support systems in the United States. Prioritizing these proposals can guide policymakers in creating a more supportive environment that values the crucial role of caregivers and improves their overall well-being. The paper concludes that to effectively address caregiver burnout, it is essential to implement integrated, wrap-around services tailored to the diverse needs of caregivers and ensure ongoing program evaluation. It emphasizes the need for the U.S. to re-evaluate its fiscal priorities related to public health by increasing caregiver support, especially given the growing elderly population and their increasing care needs.