By Kate Houck

“This weekend arrived just in time. As parents and caregivers, we rarely get time for ourselves as a couple. This weekend helped us fall even more in love with the people we are today.” This heartfelt reflection from a caregiver husband is more than a “thank you”—it’s a window into the world of caregiving. It’s a realm filled with sacrifice and quiet resilience, where exhaustion and isolation often go unnoticed.

More than 53 million people in the United States provide unpaid care to a loved one. They are ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things—managing medications, navigating insurance, and advocating fiercely. They often grieve silently, forgetting what it feels like to be seen. A recent Cleo report revealed that 60% of caregivers are at higher risk for depression and anxiety. The numbers are even higher for those caring for loved ones with chronic conditions or nearing the end of life. That’s why National Family Caregivers Month in November is more than just a calendar event; it’s a call to action, a time to honor caregivers, and a reminder that they deserve care too.

Caregiver burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a deep, overwhelming exhaustion that can cause serious health problems. Without support, burnout can hurt both the caregiver and the person they care for. But with compassion, connection, and community, healing is possible.

David’s Refuge: A Sanctuary for the Soul.

David’s Refuge is a nonprofit organization that provides caregivers with rest, renewal, and recognition through respite weekends, wellness programs, and community events. The organization reminds caregivers that they are not alone and that self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.

“Having a learning-disabled daughter has been very hard, compounded by taking care of our elderly mother, who has Parkinson’s Disease. Connecting with other parents who face similar difficulties helped us realize that we are not alone, refreshing us to keep going,” said one caregiving couple.

A Partnership for Change.

This November, David’s Refuge teams up with Univera Healthcare to raise awareness about caregiver burnout. Together, they are providing resources and educating communities on how to recognize the signs—and support the caregivers in their lives. Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president of medical affairs at Univera Healthcare, highlights, “Caregivers are the quiet champions of our health care system. Their tireless dedication and empathy sustain the lives of countless individuals. Recognizing and uplifting caregivers isn’t just an act of gratitude—it’s a vital investment in public health.”

From Burnout to Balance.

As we recognize National Family Caregivers Month, let’s commit to truly seeing caregivers. Let’s support them in moving from burnout to balance, rediscovering joy, and continuing their journey with strength and hope. Because when caregivers are cared for, everyone benefits.

Kate Houck is the Executive Director of David’s Refuge, which provides respite experiences for parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions, and is part of a network of similar organizations across Northern, Central, and Western New York.