National Survey Reveals That Caregiving is One of the Most Life-Enriching Roles Americans Will Ever Experience
Launched to encourage people to find joy in everyday moments, the National Day of Joy shines a light on caregivers who bring dignity, purpose, and connection to the lives of seniors. At the heart of this year's celebration is a powerful message: caregiving, while challenging, can be one of life's most meaningful experiences.
'At Comfort Keepers, our mission is to elevate the human spirit, because we believe aging should be filled with joy, purpose, and connection,' said Natalie Black, Chief Executive Officer, Comfort Keepers. 'We're proud to join forces with WETA for Caregiving, to help the public see caregiving through a new lens, one that recognizes both the emotional weight and the extraordinary fulfillment caregiving brings.'
To underscore this perspective, Comfort Keepers has released its 2025 National Day of Joy survey. Together, the survey insights and the film reveal a compelling story: caregiving is not just a responsibility, it is a deeply human, often joyful, experience that strengthens relationships and fosters emotional growth.
'Some feel that caregiving can be a burden but most caregivers call it a blessing,' said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. 'Our survey shows that when people care for aging loved ones, they are also getting something back, deep emotional rewards, personal growth and joy.'
Talker Research conducted the survey on behalf of Comfort Keepers from April 25-May 1 and polled 1,000 general population adults and 1,000 caregivers. Key survey findings include:
Many Americans are caregivers, even if they don't realize it – 53% of those providing support to aging loved ones don't identify as caregivers.
For 74% of caregivers the role is one of the most rewarding chapters of their lives. Nearly all (91%) say it deepens bonds with the senior in their care.
Almost half (43%) of caregivers never expected to become caregivers, reinforcing the need for awareness and preparation.
The majority of Americans (77%), and 88% of caregivers, say their senior parents prefer to age in place.
Only about a third of Americans report their senior parents have care plans, leaving many unprepared.
Many Americans see caregiving in their future – 73% with caregiving experience, and 48% without, expect to take on the role someday.
These insights provide timely context for the release of Caregiving, a new documentary premiering June 24, 2025 on PBS. Created with executive producer Bradley Cooper, the film explores the personal stories of family caregivers and the emotional highs and lows they face.
'WETA is honored to partner with Comfort Keepers to raise awareness about caregiving as both a challenge and a gift,' said Tom Chiodo, Executive Producer, Special Projects, WETA. 'The National Day of Joy and the Caregiving documentary elevate the stories of everyday caregivers and show that we see them, support them, and value their contributions.'
More than 26 Comfort Keepers franchises will host local screening events as part of a national campaign supported by 330+ PBS member stations, amplifying the message in communities nationwide.
Tune In and Join the Conversation
Caregiving premieres June 24, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS and wellbeings.org, and is available to stream now at PBS.org and the PBS App. Short films from the project are available now on wellbeings.org.
In honor of the National Day of Joy, Comfort Keepers invites the public to share their stories using #ShareYourCaregivingStory and tagging @WellBeingsOrg.
For more information, or to become a caregiver, visit www.ComfortKeepers.com, and follow Comfort Keepers on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Comfort Keepers ®
For 27 years, Comfort Keepers® has been Elevating the Human Spirit SM through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company's nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as Comfort Keepers ®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities. For more information, visit ComfortKeepers.com.
About Well Beings & Caregiving
Caregiving is part of Well Beings, the multiplatform campaign from WETA that launched in 2020 to address the critical health needs in America through original broadcast and digital content, civic engagement campaigns, and impactful local events. The Caregiving national outreach, education, and engagement campaign with Well Beings launched in October 2024 at the United Nations and seeks to spotlight the issues caregivers face, build awareness, and provide resources and a community for caregivers at a time of unprecedented need. For more information, visit wellbeings.org.
Caregiving is a production of Lea Pictures and WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Ark Media. Support for Caregiving is made possible by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.; OneAmerica Financial Foundation; Comfort Keepers; CareScout Holdings, Inc.; Cherish Health Inc. dba Cherish; Care.com; Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation; Richard King Mellon Foundation; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; Ford Foundation; Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation; NextFifty Initiative (Next50); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); PATH Foundation; Care for All with Respect and Equity (CARE) Fund; The John A. Hartford Foundation; and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. National outreach and engagement partners for Caregiving include Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers; Grantmakers In Aging; Milken Institute | Future of Aging; Global Coalition on Aging; Wallis Annenberg GenSpace; Elizabeth Dole Foundation; National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation; National Minority Health Association; Fred Rogers Productions; Caregiver Action Network; The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care; American Association of Caregiving Youth; Caring Across Generations; SHRM and SHRM Foundation; National Alliance for Caregiving; Lutheran Services in America; Center to Advance Palliative Care; PEOPLE; and Forbes.com.
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