CAPAC Launches Caregiving Task Force to Support and Advocate for AANHPI Caregivers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During Care Workers Recognition Month, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced the launch of its new Caregiving Task Force, led by Co-Chairs Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) formal and informal caregivers and their families across the nation.
One in eight Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders serve as family caregivers, significantly more than the general population due to cultural expectations that reinforce a deep sense of responsibility to support aging relatives. Strengthening the caregiving support system is especially urgent for AANHPI families given the disproportionate burden they carry.
Additionally, over a quarter of all immigrant health care workers come from Asian countries of origin, including nurses and home health aides. Asian women in particular spend about an hour a day on average providing unpaid care—more than any other racial group—equating to an estimated $5,920 in unpaid care per capita each year.
The Caregiving Task Force will focus on supporting family and informal caregivers; expanding access to affordable childcare; protecting early learning programs and opportunities; bolstering infrastructure for informal childcare providers; and advancing policies that help seniors age with dignity.
“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are being pushed to the brink caring for their children and aging parents. We need a whole-of-government approach to create a caregiving support system that is affordable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our community,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “I am proud to announce our new Caregiving Task Force, led by Senator Kim and Representative Strickland, that will fight for real solutions that will expand access to care, reduce disparities, and ensure AANHPI families have the resources they need to thrive.”
“Last year I became my father’s caregiver after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis while raising my two little boys. As a member of the sandwich generation, I felt how truly isolating the experience of caregiving can be, even though it touches each and every one of our lives as some point. For parents, family caregivers, and our care workforce, we need to build a care movement that delivers real solutions and relief. I’m committed to working alongside CAPAC to addresses care gaps and challenges unique to our AANHPI communities and be a voice for millions of fellow caregivers who are simply looking for a path to care for themselves and our loved ones,” said Senator Andy Kim, Co-Chair of CAPAC’s Caregiving Task Force.
"Caregiving is critical to our economy, families, and is especially important to Asian American communities,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Co-Chair of CAPAC’s Caregiving Task Force. “This Task Force will evaluate the entire caregiving infrastructure and develop solutions to ensure our loved ones receive high-quality care at all stages of their lives.”
Multigenerational households are common in AANHPI communities, with 27 percent of Asian Americans residing in such households and 73 percent of AANHPIs believing that they are expected to care for their parents—higher than any racial or ethnic group. As a result, many find themselves part of the “sandwich generation,” balancing responsibilities for both children and aging relatives alike while maintaining employment.
In 2019, about 30 percent of Asian American households with young children missed work due to childcare disruptions, and 40 percent adjusted work schedules to meet caregiving needs, a pattern that persisted through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Language access also remains a challenge, particularly for older immigrants—who make up nearly two-thirds of AANHPI adults over age 50—many of whom require translation assistance to navigate care systems. At the same time, culturally competent care facilities remain scarce, and stigma surrounding mental health and institutional care can discourage families from seeking outside support. These gaps place additional emotional, physical, and financial strain on AANHPI families.
“Care touches all our lives, and yet too many members of our AANHPI community are left navigating caregiving needs without support. CAPAC's Caregiving Task Force represents a crucial step forward in addressing the urgent needs of AANHPI families and building the care solutions they deserve. This measure will help ensure that the realities AANHPI caregivers and families face are recognized, and that our country invests in upholding their dignity and well-being,” said Ai-Jen Poo, Executive Director of Caring Across Generations and President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
“Caregiving for an older family member is an act of love and tremendous sacrifice,” said Clayton Fong, President and CEO of NAPCA. “More than 60 percent of AANHPI caregivers are supporting a parent, and many are navigating cultural and linguistic barriers within the U.S. health care system. NAPCA is proud to partner with CAPAC on the Caregiving Task Force to identify solutions to support AANHPI caregivers and remind them that they are not alone. This whole-of-government approach will address language access challenges, expand culturally competent care, and close critical resource gaps within AANHPI communities.”
“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to provide care to aging parents and relatives, and they are also an essential part of the care workforce. For too long, AANHPI caregivers, along with so many others, have navigated the challenges of caregiving without real recognition or solutions from their elected representatives. As we fight for affordable home care and child care, paid leave, fair wages and benefits for the care workforce, and a pathway to citizenship for immigrant care workers, we are so grateful to the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for launching this new task force to strengthen the caregiving support system. We look forward to the shared work ahead to ensure every family has access to the care options that work for them and their loved ones,” said Alida Garcia, Director of the Care Can't Wait Coalition.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system, yet too many are navigating significant financial, emotional, and physical strain without the support they need,” said Nancy LeaMond, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer. “AARP welcomes the creation of the Caregiving Task Force and looks forward to working together to advance solutions that strengthen support for family caregivers and ensure all families, including those in the AANHPI community, can care for their loved ones with dignity.”
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