Plug In to Care: Celebrating the Hearts That Never Unplug

This November, caregivers take the spotlight — and we look at why they matter to families around the world

November marks the beginning of preparations for the upcoming holidays worldwide. There’s Thanksgiving in the United States, while others are busy prepping for Christmas — picking trees to decorate and shopping early to beat the mad rush.

But November is also the month when caregivers are given the spotlight. Often regarded as part of the medical team, caregivers are also part of the family. After all, they are the ones who tend to those who need help the most.

Plug-in to Care

This year, caregivers around the world mark National Family Caregivers Month. As the world evolves, so do the ways of caring for people in need. That’s why the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) in the United States invites everyone to join this year’s theme, “Plug-in to Care.“

“Our 2025 theme, Plug-in to Care, focuses on connection — helping caregivers easily ‘plug in’ to vital support tools, trusted networks, and educational resources that can make the caregiving journey less overwhelming and more supported,” the organization said.

Marvell Adams Jr., CEO of CAN, adds: “We’re meeting caregivers where they are — whether online, at home, or at work. Across every community and every caregiving journey, this campaign delivers tailored, user-friendly support.”

More than 60 partners have teamed up to create accessible and reliable information that caregivers can use as resources. The goal, Adams adds, is to help caregivers who often find themselves overwhelmed and uninformed feel more confident and connected.

This matters deeply because caregiving, on top of personal life, work, and other responsibilities, often leaves little time for research and rest. “Plug-in to Care” reduces that burden by bringing trusted guidance directly to caregivers.

To bring these ideas to life, CAN and its partners are hosting webinars and discussions on key caregiving topics throughout the month.

Caregiving in the Philippines

While this campaign is led in the U.S., its message resonates globally — especially in countries like the Philippines, where caregiving is deeply woven into family life.

Caregiving is also a profession many Filipinos pursue in the hope of securing a better future for their families abroad. Meanwhile, those who stay in the country have gained stronger protection through the recently signed Caregivers’ Welfare Act.

The guidelines emphasize proper compensation, safety, and a healthy working environment for caregivers. They also provide better benefits, including coverage under the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), and the Employees’ Compensation and State Insurance Fund (ECSIF).

Yet for every opportunity, some challenges must be addressed. With more caregivers going abroad, local shortages arise. And because caregiving is such a demanding job, caregivers sometimes forget to care for themselves — affecting their physical and mental health.

Those who work overseas may be promised better packages, yet some end up doing more with less pay. Many even fall ill or face loneliness and depression — a reality faced by countless caregivers around the world.

Caregivers Need Care Too

With November designated as Caregivers’ Month, it’s important that caregivers also look after themselves. Never be afraid to ask for help. Cherish your moments of rest and use them to recharge. After all, to care for someone, you must also care for yourself.

Caregiving is a calling that demands patience, understanding, and compassion. But caregivers are human too — they have limits, emotions, and the right to self-expression.

For the families who attend to their loved ones, know that your role matters. Because when caregivers care for themselves, they give others the best version of the love they offer every day.

More on caring for the family

Why Filipinos Willingly Care For Their Elderly Parents
6 Ways To Make Senior Citizens Feel Valued
Here’s What We Need to Know About the Senior Citizen ID