Chicago, IL — The following is a statement from Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, on new research showing that more than one-third of family caregivers in the United States are people with disabilities:
“Too often, caregiving and disability are treated as separate experiences. New research makes clear that they are deeply connected, and that connection has real consequences for families across the country.
More than one-third of caregivers are navigating their own disabilities while also supporting a loved one. That means managing their own health, finances, and daily needs at the same time they are providing care. And yet, they are frequently overlooked in policy, research, and support systems.
We see at Easterseals what that looks like in real life. When caregivers don’t have the support they need, it affects everything, from health, to employment, and long-term stability for entire families. Care doesn’t happen in isolation. When one part of that system is strained, the impact is felt across communities and the workforce.
This is a reminder that strengthening support for caregivers is not just about recognizing their role, it’s about building systems that reflect the full reality of care. That includes investing in Home- and Community-Based Services, expanding access to resources, and ensuring caregivers with disabilities are part of the conversation.
Caregivers make independence possible for millions of people. They should not have to do that work without the support they need to sustain it.”
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Contact: eileen@npagency.com
