Empowering Caregivers, the Unsung Heroes

The challenges in our community’s care system are growing, and one of the most significant is the unseen and often unpaid work of family caregivers. They are a hidden workforce, providing the backbone of support for our aging parents, partners and loved ones. But this immense task comes at a cost, both to the caregivers themselves and to the broader healthcare system and economy.

This isn’t a future problem; it’s a present reality. A new AARP report shows that 63 million Americans are caregivers, a nearly 50% increase in just ten years. One in every four adults is now a caregiver, and seven in ten are juggling this work with a paid job. This puts them in a stressful position, and it’s clear that to strengthen our communities, we must first lift up those who provide so much. This is why CICOA is strategically expanding our caregiver support programs as a key growth area in our “CICOA Reimagined” strategic plan.

The Business Case for Caregiver Support

The strain on caregivers goes far beyond their personal lives, creating a costly ripple effect throughout our healthcare system and economy. A quarter of caregivers are taking on debt due to their responsibilities, and one in five cannot afford basic needs like food. It’s no surprise that half of working family caregivers report going in late, leaving early or taking time off from work. For employers, this translates to lost productivity and increased turnover. For health systems, overwhelmed caregivers can lead to a decline in their loved one’s health, resulting in higher rates of emergency room visits, readmissions and earlier transitions to costly institutional care.

At its core, caregiver support is a powerful preventative measure. By equipping families with the resources they need, we can delay or even prevent the need for more intensive, expensive long-term services and supports. By addressing the root causes of caregiver burnout, we not only improve well-being but also create a more efficient and effective care ecosystem.

Our Proactive Approach

For many years, CICOA has been a trusted resource through our CareAware caregiver support service, offering one-on-one coaching to help caregivers with planning, emotional support, and self-care. We’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of support can make a huge difference. Our local data from last year’s CASOA report shows that caregivers in Central Indiana feel emotionally and physically burdened by their roles, with 27% reporting emotional burden and 24% feeling physically burdened. We know this is a critical need.

That’s why our “CICOA Reimagined” plan doubles down on this support with expanded offerings designed to meet the growing demand in our community and in the marketplace:

• Expanded Dementia Caregiver Support: Caring for a loved one with dementia is uniquely challenging. According to AARP’s report, memory issues and/or dementia among care recipients are reported by more than one-quarter of caregivers. By working with Indiana University Geriatrics’ evidence-based Aging Brain Care (ABC) Community program to provide specialized support, we can help these families navigate the complexities of their journey, reduce their stress and extend the time their loved one can safely remain at home, which in turn reduces costly institutionalization.
• Dementia Business Training: We’re also providing training for businesses to empower them to better serve their clients, customers and employees impacted by dementia. This training is offered through our Dementia Friendly Indianapolis program. This not only enhances an organization’s community engagement but also positions them as a trusted, knowledgeable partner in a key area of care.
• Strategic Partnerships with Employers: Our new business-focused approach is to develop a caregiver support platform as an employee benefit. This is a win-win: it gives employers a unique benefit to attract and retain talent, while also helping their employees manage work and caregiving responsibilities more effectively. AARP’s 2025 report found that working caregivers more often report feeling alone and facing financial difficulty, making this benefit a vital tool for improving workforce wellness and productivity.

Collaboration for Collective Impact

The challenges caregivers face cannot be solved by a single organization. The true power of our expanded program is its potential for broad collaboration. By partnering with CICOA, employers can join a solution that benefits everyone. Our refreshed program acts as a vital resource to help you support your employees, ultimately leading to better health outcomes, lower costs and more resilient communities.

A Vision for Our Community

Caregiver support isn’t a niche service; it’s a vital part of a strong, thriving workforce. As a core part of “CICOA Reimagined,” our commitment to empowering caregivers shows our dedication to innovation, growth and continuous improvement.

Envision a community where caregivers find the support they need to provide compassionate care without sacrificing their own careers or health. Through our strategic plan, we are building a world where caregivers are no longer just surviving—they are thriving. They are empowered, resilient leaders in their own right, and a core part of our workforce’s success.

We invite business leaders and policymakers who share our vision to partner with us. Let’s explore how we can work together to deliver impactful outcomes and build a brighter future for those we serve.

Related blogs:
» A New Chapter Begins: CICOA Reimagined
» Expanding Our Reach and Sustaining Impact with Private Pay Solutions
» Community Health Workers: A Scalable, Proactive Approach to Care

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Lisa Schneekloth

As President & CEO of CICOA, Lisa Schneekloth’s vision is shaped by more than 15 years of experience within the organization, from direct client support to establishing robust compliance standards. Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, she collaborates with the community to expand CICOA’s impact and ensure individuals have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.