New research shows Latino family caregiving in California is sustaining the health system — but families face growing financial and mental health pressures that policymakers are beginning to confront.
Caregiving in California is often described by families as a deeply personal act of love — but for many households, especially in communities where family responsibility is central, it also comes with exhaustion, financial strain, and isolation.
Across the United States, about 53 million people provide unpaid care to a family member, according to research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. Studies show Latino families are among the most likely to take on caregiving roles within the home, often driven by cultural values emphasizing family responsibility and respect for elders.
Researchers and health policy experts often describe this dynamic through the concept of familismo — the belief that caring for parents, grandparents, or relatives is a shared family duty rather than something delegated to institutions.
A Relationship That Changes Lives
Many caregivers say the experience reshapes their lives and relationships.
One spouse caring for her husband explained that while the journey was unexpected, it deepened their bond. Another caregiver supporting his father said the experience made him more empathetic and reflective about his own priorities.
These personal stories echo broader national findings. A major caregiving survey found that the most common reward caregivers report is the reassurance that their loved one is safe and well cared for.
But the emotional rewards often coexist with significant strain.
The Toll Few Talk About
Sleep loss, financial instability, and burnout are widespread among caregivers. A recent survey found that about half of caregivers struggle with sleep at least once a week, while many report declining physical health.
Economic pressure is also common. In California counties where many caregivers work through programs such as California In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), local surveys have shown many providers juggling multiple jobs just to stay afloat.
For those caring for both children and aging parents — the so-called “sandwich generation” — the pressure can be overwhelming.
One mother described the experience as constantly balancing responsibilities while dealing with anticipatory grief about a parent’s declining health.
Why Many Families Choose Home Care
Research consistently finds that Latino families are less likely to place relatives in nursing homes compared with other groups, according to policy analysis from Stanford Center on Longevity and caregiving studies referenced by AARP.
Experts say the reasons include cultural expectations around family caregiving, concerns about language and cultural understanding in facilities, and the desire to preserve dignity and closeness.
Still, experts caution that the system often relies heavily on unpaid family labor.
“Caregiving is sustaining our health system in ways people don’t always see,” researchers from national caregiving studies have noted, emphasizing the need for more financial support, respite care, and mental health resources.
When Support Makes the Difference
Isolation is one of the most common struggles caregivers describe. Yet access to the right program or support network can dramatically change outcomes.
Some caregivers say a single reassessment call, a social worker’s guidance, or expanded care hours made them feel recognized — and helped them continue.
For millions of families, caregiving remains both a sacrifice and a profound act of commitment — one that policymakers are increasingly recognizing as essential to the future of healthcare and aging in America.
