Each year, Comfort Keepers celebrates the National Day of Joy—the last Wednesday of June—as a moment to reflect on what brings happiness to our lives and the lives of those we care for. The company conducted a recent survey which revealed something powerful: caregiving, despite its challenges, is a source of profound joy and meaning for many Americans.
Caregiving is more than a profession, it’s a calling. And for many working in homecare, it’s not just something they manage—it’s something they live. The survey, conducted by Talker Research, polled 2,000 Americans who were a mix of people with and without caregiving experience. It showed that 74% of caregivers say this role has become one of the most rewarding chapters of their lives. Ninety-one percent of caregivers say it allows them to bond more deeply with the seniors in their care. These are more than just numbers, they’re reminders that behind every medication schedule, every meal prep, every walk to the mailbox, is a relationship built on compassion and connection.
What’s even more telling is how many Americans are caregivers without realizing it. More than half (53%) of people providing support to aging loved ones don’t consider themselves to be caregivers. Why? Because for many, caregiving feels like love in action, just being there for mom, dad or grandma the way they were there for us. But this quiet dedication deserves recognition.
Comfort Keepers believes recognition can be transformative. When we acknowledge the vital role caregivers play, especially those who make it possible for older adults to remain safe and independent at home, we do more than thank them. We elevate their work, we validate their experience and we inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
For this reason, Comfort Keepers said it is proud to be a sponsor of the new PBS documentary, Caregiving. This film brings the stories of caregivers to light, stories of love, sacrifice, resilience and joy. It honors those who care for loved ones with grace and grit, and it aims to spark a national conversation around caregiving as both a personal and public priority.
With more than 105 million Americans currently providing care to someone aging, ill or disabled—a number that has nearly doubled in the last decade—the need for visibility, support and appreciation has never been more urgent.
For home health and in-home care professionals, the message is especially impactful. Many are caregivers both on and off the clock. They manage teams of caregivers, support families through difficult decisions and often, become caregivers to their own loved ones. They understand that the journey often begins unexpectedly, 43% of caregivers who were surveyed didn’t anticipate stepping into the role, but once it begins, it reshapes their sense of purpose.
As an adult daughter with a 90-year-old father living across the country, I understand firsthand the emotional weight of being far from a loved one who needs support. Knowing that my dad has a compassionate caregiver by his side gives me incredible peace of mind. It means he's not just safe, he's cared for, engaged and able to maintain his independence with dignity. That personal experience shapes how I approach my work every day, with deep empathy for the families we serve.
And we’re not alone. A majority of Americans (67% of non-caregivers and 82% of caregivers) expect to care for a loved one someday, whether they’re in the profession or not. That means the future of caregiving touches everyone, and with that comes both responsibility and opportunity.
We are at a pivotal moment. With a growing aging population, more public awareness and increased innovation in homecare, we have the chance to create stronger systems that empower caregivers, professional and family alike, with the tools, training and recognition they need.
Let’s reframe caregiving not just as a duty, but as a joyful, life-affirming act of service. Let’s amplify the stories of caregivers who find purpose in helping others live with dignity and independence. And let’s ensure that those who care for others are cared for in return, with respect, resources and community.
Because caregiving, at its heart, is about love. And there’s nothing more joyful than that.
Caregiving premiered June 24 on PBS and wellbeings.org, and is available to stream at pbs.org and the PBS app. Short films from the project are also available on wellbeings.org.