Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Feeding
- Mobility assistance, such as moving from a bed to a chair or navigating stairs
National Caregivers Day
February 21, 2025
What is National Caregivers Day?
Friday, February 21, 2025 is National Caregivers Day, a time to recognize and honor caregivers and their critical contributions to our families, communities and healthcare system. We share our appreciation for the dedication and compassion of professional and family caregivers who provide support and care to others.
When is National Caregivers Day?
National Caregivers Day is the third Friday in February in the United States. In 2025, National Caregiver Day falls on Friday, February 21, 2025.
What is a caregiver and what do they do?
A caregiver is someone who provides care and support to someone who needs assistance with daily living activities, medical needs, or other kinds support due to aging, illness, injury, or disability. Caregivers can be professionals trained to offer specific types of care, or they can be family members, friends, or neighbors who step into the role.
What are the types of caregivers?
Professional caregivers are trained to provide care as part of their job. Home health aides, nurses, therapists, direct support professionals and hospice workers are professional caregivers.
Family caregivers provide care without formal training or compensation. They may balance caregiving with other responsibilities, such as work or parenting. Caregiving responsibilities may include:
Medical Support
- Administering medications on schedule
- Monitoring vital signs or medical conditions
- Managing medical appointments and coordinating with healthcare providers
- Providing care for wounds, injections, or other medical procedures
- Acting as a liaison between the care recipient and medical professionals
Household Management
- Preparing nutritious meals
- Grocery shopping and running errands
- Cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe home environment
- Managing bills and finances
- Coordinating care among multiple providers, family members, or services
What is the history of National Caregivers Month?
National Caregivers Day was established in 2015 by the Providers Association for Home Health and Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA). The goal was to create a dedicated day to celebrate professional caregivers, such as home health aides, nurses, and therapists, as well as informal family caregivers who provide support to loved ones. Each year, this day serves as a reminder of the critical work caregivers do and the need to support them emotionally, financially, and through public policies.
By 2025, National Caregivers Day has grown into a widely recognized observance, celebrated by communities, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups across the United States. The day not only acknowledges caregivers’ efforts but also raises awareness about the challenges they encounter and the resources they need to thrive.
Why do caregivers deserve recognition?
Caregivers play an indispensable role in ensuring the health, dignity, and quality of life of the people they serve. They:
- Reduce the burden on healthcare systems by enabling individuals to remain at home.
- Provide emotional stability to families during times of illness or crisis.
- Ensure continuity of care, which is critical for managing chronic conditions or recovery.
Whether professional or informal, caregivers are often the lifeline for those who cannot fully care for themselves, making their role invaluable in society.
How can you show appreciation to a caregiver on National Caregiver Day?
Showing appreciation to caregivers on National Caregivers Day 2025 can be a meaningful way to recognize their hard work. Here are several thoughtful and practical ways to express your gratitude:
Say “thank you” in a meaningful way.
A simple but heartfelt “thank you” can brighten a caregiver’s day. Consider writing a handwritten note expressing specific examples of how their care has made a difference. Send a personalized card with a short message of recognition. Send a text, email, or make a phone call to let them know how much their efforts are valued.
Offer a small gift of appreciation.
Caregivers often prioritize others over themselves, so a thoughtful gift can remind them they are appreciated. Some caregiver appreciation gift ideas include:
- Gift Cards – For groceries, coffee shops, or a favorite restaurant.
- Self-Care Packages – Include items like bath bombs, lotions, candles, a tasty treat.
- Flowers or Plants – A bouquet or a potted plant can brighten their space.
Provide respite care.
Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, and many caregivers rarely, if ever, get time off. Offering them a break, however small, can be invaluable.
Provide practical help.
Caregivers often juggle multiple responsibilities. Offering practical assistance can relieve their workload. Bring a meal, help with chores or yard work, or tackle any other basic tasks that are hard for caregivers to get to.
Listen.
Caregivers often feel unseen and unheard. Taking the time to listen to their experiences, validate their feelings, and offer support can be deeply meaningful. Create a safe space for them to share their challenges, joys, and frustrations without judgment. Learn what not to say, and what to say instead.
How can you celebrate National Caregivers Day?
National Caregivers Day 2025 is an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together in celebration and support of caregivers. Whether through community events, workplace initiatives, or personal acts of kindness, every effort to recognize caregivers contributes to a culture that values and uplifts them.
For caregivers themselves, this day serves as a reminder that their work matters and that they are not alone. It is a chance to reflect on their achievements, connect with others who share similar experiences, and access resources that can help them thrive.
The best ways to celebrate National Caregivers Day is to notice and support the caregivers in your life. This can range from a simple “thank you” for their work, to supporting them by offer respite care or help with household chores. It’s also powerful to to advocating for caregivers at work and with your votes.
We offer a variety of resources for caregivers and advocates.
Documentary Film
Learn More About the Caregiving Experience
The documentary UNSEEN: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters is a great way go behind the scenes and learn more about being a caregiver.
Free Guide
12 Ways to Support Parent Caregivers
Check out our free guide to learn 12 practical ideas for supporting the family caregivers in your community. Caregivers in our community submitted the ideas you’ll find inside!
Free Cheat Sheet
Say This, Not That
Sometimes it can be confusing to know what to say to a caregiver. We’ve compiled suggestions submitted by parent caregivers to help guide you.
Leverage Our Free Toolkits for Caregivers & Advocates
Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces
Our comprehensive toolkit, Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces, has a variety of resources and practical guides for both employers and advocates who want to improve support for caregivers at work.
Creating Caregiver-Friendly Faith Communities
Access our toolkit, Creating Caregiver-Friendly Faith Communities, for helpful strategies for religious organizations who want to be a safe and supportive place for caregivers and their families to find faith and community.
Learn More About What it Means to be a Family Caregiver
Too often, family caregivers don’t receive the support they need, and come up against physical, emotional and financial challenges. The documentary “Unseen” provides a raw, honest portrayal of the daily lives of family caregivers. It asks how we can provide better support.
