Advocacy in Action: The Universal Caregiver Bill of Rights: An Economic Imperative for the Modern Workforce

By Mark Fukae - Director of Advocacy - Professionals Who Care

The Universal Caregiver Bill of Rights: A new framework that establishes fundamental protections and supports across the entire caregiving continuum, from planning to post-care reintegration. It’s the moral and policy compass for a movement that recognizes caregiving as a universal human experience.

The most critical piece of business infrastructure isn't technology or a supply chain-it's people. A skilled, stable, and productive workforce is the foundation of any successful enterprise. But a massive, unseen force is silently eroding this foundation: the hidden labor of unpaid family caregiving.

Research shows that unpaid caregiving in the U.S. has an economic value exceeding $1 trillion per year, with women performing two-thirds of this work. This is not a social issue on the sidelines; it is a fundamental economic issue. The American workforce includes 1 in 6 Americans who assist with the care of an elderly or disabled family member, with many also working full-time. This dual responsibility leads to significant impacts on employee well-being and business productivity.

This is why Professionals Who Care is proud to introduce the Universal Caregiver Bill of Rights. This is more than an advocacy document; it is a strategic framework that reframes caregiving as an economic opportunity and a necessary part of a resilient workforce. It is a moral and policy compass that guides our vision for a future where care is recognized as a vital business function.

Our framework is built on five core principles designed to benefit both employees and employers:

• Recognition: Caregiving is valuable work that strengthens families and communities and deserves societal recognition and support. By valuing this work, companies can improve employee retention and morale.

• Integration: Caregiving support should be woven into healthcare, workplace, and community systems rather than treated as separate or optional. This principle calls for streamlined processes that make it easy for employees to access resources without administrative burden.

• Sustainability: Support systems must enable caregivers to maintain their own health, financial stability, and life goals while providing care. Addressing burnout and providing financial resources helps prevent the lifetime income loss that caregivers, especially mothers, face (an average of $295,000).

• Choice: Individuals should have meaningful options in how they provide and receive care, including the choice to care at home when possible. This flexibility reduces turnover and allows companies to retain valuable talent.

• Equity: Caregiver support should be accessible regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or geographic location. A diverse, equitable approach ensures a more inclusive and productive workforce.

By implementing policies that align with this Bill of Rights-such as those outlined in the proposed Colorado CARE Act (SB 26-XXX)-businesses can reduce employee turnover costs and strengthen their workforce. We are moving beyond a reactive approach to a proactive, revenue-neutral strategy that invests in our most valuable asset: our people.

The research is clear: investing in care infrastructure generates economic returns through increased workforce participation and improves overall societal well-being and productivity.

The time for change is now. Read my full analysis on our Substack for more detail on this critical framework.

Join the Movement: Transform the Future of Work

This isn't just a vision-it's a plan of action. The Universal Caregiver Bill of Rights provides the strategic blueprint for a more productive, resilient, and inclusive economy. Your support is crucial to making this vision a reality.

• Sign and Share our Change.org petition to show the groundswell of support for caregiver policies.

• Explore our work at the Professionals Who Care website.

• Dive deeper into the details of this groundbreaking framework by reading the full story on our Substack: https://therevenueneutralcaregiver.substack.com/

References and Citations

1. AARP Public Policy Institute. (2023). Valuing the invaluable: 2023 update - The economic value of family caregiving. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2015/valuing-the-invaluable-2015-update.html

2. Universal Care Continuum: Modern Messaging & Advocacy Strategy.

3. Research Foundation for the Universal Care Continuum Model.

4. References and Citations for Universal Care Continuum Model.

5. Universal Caregiver Bill of Rights with Colorado Implementation Framework.

6. Colorado CARE Act - Aug 29 2025.