Supporting full-time caregivers
Building support networks and providing effective resources for those caring for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia through the CARE pilot program.
USC Launched 2025
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Impact
The Caregiver Assistance and Resilience Enhancement (CARE) program connects hundreds of informal caregivers with resources, community spaces, and mental health strategies to help maximize their well-being and ability to provide care, not only for their loved ones, but also for themselves.
53 M Americans are informal caregivers
Challenge
One in four Americans are informal caregivers—providing full-time care for loved ones with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s—and the number is growing. As a result, many caregivers face financial strain, chronic stress, and health risks of their own. With so few resources available, we’re working to create the tools and community caregivers want to care for others—and themselves.
Our Plan
We launched the CARE Program to test new ways to support caregivers. The pilot offers emotional and practical support—like live webinars led by expert professionals and fellow caregivers, as well as newsletters filled with practical information, community stories, and self-care advice.
Project Goals
Foster a safe online community
We’re creating a space for caregivers and patient advocates to meaningfully and easily connect—helping them feel seen, heard, and understood.
Boost caregiver knowledge and skills
When caregivers know better, they can do better—for their loved ones and themselves. We’re assessing if resources like newsletters, webinars, and online communities can help.
Expand caregiver support
With the results of our pilot, we can produce public-facing resources and community spaces that caregivers nationwide can access to get the support they want.
Approach
By testing new resources and listening directly to caregivers’ experiences and feedback, we’re learning what support they truly need—and using those insights to build stronger systems for them.
Surveys
Qualitative interviews
Todd Keitz
Founder & CEO, My Care Friends
“We recognize that caregivers are the backbone of healthcare, yet they often navigate their roles with little guidance or support.”
“Who takes care of the caregivers? Caregivers shoulder immense responsibilities—managing emotional stress, financial strain, and the complexities of care. Our project brings together experts to consider caregivers’ lived experiences, gaining a deep understanding of their needs and the challenges they face every day. At the same time, we’re looking ahead—developing digital solutions that connect caregivers with the resources and support they most value.”
Sharon Mozgai, MEd
Director of the USC Institute for Creative Technologies
Virtual Human Therapeutics Lab
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