Advocacy in Action: A New Paradigm: Introducing the Universal Care Continuum Model

A new paradigm: Introducing the Universal Care Continuum Model. As a society, our approach to care must evolve to meet the growing needs of families and caregivers. Our latest model provides a comprehensive and equitable framework, advocating for solutions that support every individual at every stage of their caregiving journey.

By Mark Fukae Director of Advocacy - Professionals Who Care

At Professionals Who Care, we believe that effective advocacy requires a clear, unifying narrative. That's why we are proud to introduce the Universal Care Continuum Model, a new framework from our Director of Advocacy, Mark Fukae. This model reframes caregiving as a fundamental human journey, one that is both universal and inevitable. By shifting the conversation from a niche issue to an economic and societal imperative, we can build the broad, bipartisan support needed for lasting policy change.

The Economic Imperative: The current system for caregiving is unsustainable. The economic data is staggering: unpaid caregiving is a "hidden GDP" valued at over $1 trillion annually in the U.S. (National Partnership for Women & Families, 2024). Yet, this essential work comes at a cost, with businesses losing an estimated $44 billion each year in productivity due to caregiver burnout and turnover (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2023). The average mother providing unpaid care loses nearly $300,000 in lifetime earnings (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2023). The Universal Care Continuum Model addresses this by demonstrating that investing in caregivers is not charity—it's economic common sense.

A Path to Systemic Solutions: The model serves as a clear policy prescription. It argues that by modernizing caregiving definitions and guaranteeing workplace accommodations, we can create a sustainable care infrastructure. The Federal and Colorado CARE Acts are fiscally smart first steps. These revenue-neutral bills do not add new taxes; they create a net-positive economic impact by reducing turnover, increasing workforce participation, and generating new tax revenue.

Take Action

• 📖 Read the report: Caregiving in the U.S. 2025

• ✍️ Sign our petition: Support the Federal and Colorado CARE Acts.

• 📣 Share this post: Help spread the word.

• 🤝 Get involved: Connect with Professionals Who Care and CASI to build momentum.

Caregiving is not a private issue. It’s a national one. And it’s time we invested in it as the economic engine it truly is.

Read the full article and explore the research, data, and policy solutions that will transform the future of care.

Advocacy in Action: Introducing the Universal Care Continuum Model