What changes when a caregiver moves beyond learning about dementia and begins to understand what living with cognitive change might feel like?

A hospital-wide strategy can strengthen patient safety, workforce readiness, care transitions and measurable performance.

Why America’s Largest Invisible Care Workforce Is Healthcare’s Most Overlooked Strategic Asset

We were honored to participate in the 2026 Florida Council on Aging Conference this week, joining hundreds of leaders who are working every day to improve the lives of older adults, strengthen communities, and support family caregivers. Throughout the conference, one message rose above every conversation: no single organization can meet the growing needs of our aging population alone. Health plans, aging service providers, public health agencies, community-based organizations, and local leaders all have an important role to play. The future of healthy aging depends on how well we work together.

Dementia is not managed only in physicians’ offices, hospitals or memory care communities. Most dementia care happens in homes and neighborhoods—supported by family members who may have little preparation for the complex responsibilities they have assumed.

A Strategic Opportunity for Health Plans, Aging Service Providers, and Communities 

Family caregivers provide an estimated$600 billion in unpaid care each year in the United States, making them one of the nation’s largest—and most essential—care workforces. Yet despite their enormous contribution, healthcare organizations often don’t meaningfully engage family caregivers until they are already navigating a crisis.

A Quiet Transformation Is Reshaping Aging Services

While much of healthcare’s attention remains focused on artificial intelligence, workforce shortages, and hospital capacity, another transformation is quietly reshaping the future of aging services.