The hidden cost of caregiver burnout

Women represent the majority of caregivers in the U.S., juggling careers and family with the demands of caring for others. Midlife women often carry the heaviest burden, particularly those in the “sandwich generation,” who support children, aging relatives, or other loved ones at the same time. Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. caregivers fall into this group.¹

On-going caregiver stress can lead to burnout: a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental strain. To manage the overwhelm, many women turn to unhealthy coping methods, like overeating or drug and alcohol use. These behaviors only lead to worsening mental health and increased health risks.

The financial toll is real

Stressed is linked to chronic conditions and the consequences go beyond personal health. Research shows caregiver stress in particular drives higher healthcare utilization, including ER visits, hospitalizations, and behavioral health services. On average, high-risk caregivers cost $1,000 per member per month, compared with $600 for lower-risk caregivers.²

Stress management is critical. Timely recognition and support can help caregivers thrive, improving health outcomes and reducing medical spend. Yet, traditional healthcare models rarely identify or address caregiver burnout, leaving plans exposed to preventable costs and lower quality metrics.

Empower caregivers, improve health plan performance

Ovia Health by Labcorp equips health plans with the tools to turn caregiver burnout into a measurable opportunity for increased member engagement, stronger HEDIS scores, and better outcomes.

Our approach includes:

  • 1:1 support from the Ovia Care Team featuring health coaches with backgrounds in mental health, postpartum depression, patient advocacy, and behavior change
  • In-app screenings for early detection of anxiety and depression
  • Care navigation connecting members to in-network mental health providers and treatment
  • Personalized guidance with reminders for preventive care, screenings, and follow-up appointments
  • Daily self-care checklists for nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness
  • Education designed to help manage stress and build coping strategies

Ovia+ members consistently express gratitude for these resources:

“As a busy mom, I love getting suggestions that help me take better care of myself.” — Ovia+ member

“There is so much helpful information. Also, it is very easy to navigate. Plus your own care team!? It’s awesome!” – Ovia+ member

As caregiving becomes more common with an aging population and evolving family structures, supporting caregivers is no longer optional, it’s strategic. The right interventions at the right time reduce stress, depression, and burnout, improve coping, and strengthen engagement, all while lowering costs and boosting HEDIS and quality metrics.³ Investing in caregiver support transforms burnout from a hidden challenge into a high-value opportunity for members, health plans, and population health.

See how we can help your members thrive. Schedule a demo today.

References

  1. National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Caregiving in the U.S. 2020. Washington, DC: National Alliance for Caregiving; 2020.
  2. Reinhard SC, Young HM, Levine C, Kelly K, Choula R. Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care. Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute; 2012.
  3. van der Lee J, Bakker TJ, Duijker G, Dröes RM. The Caregiver Support Model for Informal Caregivers of Frail Older Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Aging. 2025; e71638.