In the United States, more than 53 million people serve as family caregivers, meaning that 1 in 5 individuals provides unpaid, non-medical care for family members or others. Many of these caregivers are also balancing full-time jobs, facing immense emotional, physical, and financial pressures.

The responsibilities of caregiving can deeply impact grief experiences. Research shows that 1 in 4 caregivers goes through anticipatory grief as they prepare for an anticipated loss. Additionally, the intense nature of caregiving can lead to complicated grief for about 20% of caregivers. According to the Mayo Clinic, complicated grief involves prolonged, intense emotions that make it challenging to accept the loss and resume daily life. This reality highlights the need for compassion and support for caregivers as well as addressing the challenges they face.