Family Caregiving Research and Innovation Act

The Family Caregiving Research and Innovation Act aims to strengthen the support system for the millions of Americans who provide unpaid care to aging relatives or people with disabilities. The bill proposes to authorize $30 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to fund a specialized center dedicated to research, data collection, and the development of evidence-based practices. This research would focus on improving the health, financial stability, and overall well-being of family caregivers by identifying the specific challenges they face and testing new ways to assist them.

In addition to research funding, the legislation proposes to update the legal definition of a "family caregiver" under the Older Americans Act. This change would clarify that the term includes any adult family member or individual providing informal, unpaid care to an older person or someone with a condition like Alzheimer's. It also introduces a specific category for "older relative caregivers"—individuals aged 55 and older who care for children or adults with disabilities—ensuring these unique caregiving arrangements are recognized by federal support programs.