Oklahoma's Caregiver Crisis: The Heavy Cost of Family Love

Caring for an aging loved one can feel like an unending marathon, especially in Oklahoma, where the stress of eldercare responsibilities is reaching a boiling point. A recent study reveals that the state ranks third in the nation for caregiver burden. Families like Chloe Flanagan’s, who dedicated nearly a decade to ensuring her grandmother’s independence, are all too familiar with the emotional and physical toll this journey entails.

Unpaid caregivers, often juggling full-time jobs and family responsibilities, now face immense challenges. With Oklahoma’s adult daycare rates soaring to $171 a day—much higher than in other states—the financial strain only adds to the pressure. It’s estimated that around 835,000 adults in Oklahoma quietly shoulder these caregiving responsibilities, contributing a staggering $6.6 billion in unpaid labor annually.

As the aging population grows, the system is clearly overwhelmed, with personal sacrifices becoming the norm. Many caregivers do not identify as such and struggle to find resources, which creates a feeling of invisibility in their critical roles. Conversations around support, awareness, and policy responses need to happen. After all, these everyday heroes deserve more than just a pat on the back; they need real, substantive help to navigate this difficult journey.