Jonathan Frederic De Santos

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Caregivers

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775977100218Caregiver Photo.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="John Saavedra"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">John Saavedra</span></span></span></div><p>ARIZONA — Filipinos have long played a vital role in the healthcare workforce, and their contribution is becoming even more important as the United States faces a rapidly growing elderly population.</p><p>Across the country, more families are relying on caregivers to support aging relatives who require daily assistance or long-term care.</p><p>Healthcare providers say the demand for workers in this field has grown steadily as Americans live longer and the number of seniors continues to rise.</p><p>According to the US Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older has increased dramatically over the past decades.</p><p>In 1980, the US had about 25 million seniors, representing roughly 11 percent of the population. By 2020, that number had more than doubled to 56 million, or about 17 percent of Americans.</p><p>Experts project that by 2030, when the entire baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will reach more than 73 million. By then, one in every five people in the country will be a senior.</p><p>Healthcare economists say this demographic shift will significantly increase the need for workers who provide daily care to older adults.</p><p>The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that home health and personal care aides are among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, projected to grow 22 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for most professions.</p><p>Filipino Americans have long been recognized for their presence in the healthcare sector.</p><p>Research from the Migration Policy Institute shows that Filipino immigrants represent one of the largest groups of foreign-born healthcare workers in the United States, particularly in nursing and caregiving roles.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/3/7/-the-pitt-and-the-real-heroes-behind-the-scrubs-1315">&#x27;The Pitt&#x27; and the real heroes behind the scrubs</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Filling a growing need</strong></div><p>In Arizona, the trend is particularly visible. The state has become one of the fastest growing retirement destinations in the western United States, attracting thousands of seniors each year.</p><p>Fleur Magbanua, a nurse entrepreneur who operates caregiving, home health, and hospice services in Arizona, said the demand for caregivers continues to increase.</p><p>“In Arizona alone, one out of five residents is already 65 years old or older, and the need for caregivers continues to increase,” she said.</p><p>Magbanua emphasized that caregivers play a critical role in the healthcare system.</p><p>“Caregivers are really the eyes and ears of nurses. They are often the unseen heroes. They know what is happening with the patient, including the family dynamics,” she said.</p><p>“As a healthcare provider myself, I depend heavily on their reports. They are a big help in our profession and an essential part of the healthcare team.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Work driven by compassion</strong></div><p>For many Filipino caregivers, the profession is both demanding and deeply meaningful.</p><p>Edmond Ramirez has worked as a caregiver for six years in several states including New York, New Jersey, California, and Arizona.</p><p>“It’s very challenging, but the only way you can last in this job is to love what you do and treat your residents like your own family. That’s the key,” Ramirez said.</p><p>Caregivers assist residents with daily activities such as preparing meals, helping with hygiene, assisting with mobility, monitoring medications, and providing companionship.</p><p>“We help them get ready for breakfast, help them dress, assist them with their hygiene, and prepare them for bed at night. These are the basic things we do every day,” Ramirez explained.</p><p>Ramirez said one of the most difficult aspects of the job is being away from family.</p><p>“There’s also the mental and emotional stress of the job, especially when you don’t have anyone to talk to here. Homesickness is real,” he said.</p><p>Despite the challenges, he said the work brings a deep sense of fulfillment.</p><p>“The most fulfilling part is when you’re able to help people and they feel your genuine care. When they show appreciation and tell you that you’re doing a good job, that means a lot. For me, that’s more than money can buy.”</p><p>Ramirez believes Filipino caregivers bring cultural values that shape the way they care for others.</p><p>“We grow up in loving families and we take care of our elders. Bringing that culture here makes a big difference,” he said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/2/21/filipino-nurses-worry-over-federal-loan-caps-on-advanced-nursing-degrees-1236">Filipino nurses in US worry over federal loan caps on advanced nursing degrees</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>A demanding but rewarding profession</strong></div><p>Maria Ortiz, a Filipino caregiver working in a group home, said she discovered her passion for caregiving after moving to the United States.</p><p>“I graduated from college in the Philippines, but when I came to the United States my sister had a group home, so I started working as a caregiver,” she said.</p><p>“I fell in love with the work because I was raised by my grandparents, so I’ve always been used to being around the elderly.”</p><p>Ortiz described the job as both difficult and fulfilling.</p><p>“Sometimes people appreciate what you do, and sometimes they don’t. But the most important thing is that you are doing your best to take care of the elderly.”</p><p>In group homes, caregivers often handle a wide range of responsibilities.</p><p>“You cook, you clean, you do the laundry, you help them get up, shower them, feed them if needed, give medications, call the doctor, report to the nurse, and arrange appointments. Lahat. Ikaw lahat,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Patients share their perspective</strong></div><p>Residents who receive care say Filipino caregivers bring compassion and dedication that make a meaningful difference in their lives.</p><p>Royce Sierra, who has lived in a care facility for more than a year, said his caregiver has played an important role in helping him stay active and hopeful.</p><p>“I’m very fortunate to be here and to have Edmond as my caregiver,” Sierra said.</p><p>“I’ve been through a very long and difficult journey. Sometimes when people get older, they feel like they are brushed aside.”</p><p>“But Edmond encouraged me. He helps me every day. Because of him, I’m not just lying in bed. He takes his time and works very hard.”</p><p>Sierra said Filipino caregivers show dedication and compassion that residents deeply appreciate.</p><p>“We really appreciate him. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by Filipino caregivers. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”</p><p>Another resident, Lynn Thayer, shared a similar sentiment.</p><p>“Like most of us here, we love it. The caregivers here truly care about us more than we could even expect,” Thayer said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Healthcare leaders see growing demand</strong></div><p>Healthcare administrators say the need for caregivers will continue to increase as the elderly population grows.</p><p>“We’ve definitely seen an increase in the demand for caregivers not only in Arizona but across the country,” Stephen Tan, administrator of Arizona Professional Hospice Care, said.</p><p>“Filipino caregivers have built a very strong reputation in the United States. Many facilities prefer working with Filipino caregivers because of their dedication and work ethic.”</p><p>Group homeowner and hospice operator Sharon Baysan said caregivers are essential to the daily operation of long-term care facilities and play a crucial role in supporting elderly residents.</p><p>“Caregivers are truly the backbone of the healthcare and caregiving system,” Baysan said.</p><p>She explained that caregivers often become the closest support system for seniors, particularly those who may not have family members nearby.</p><p>“Filipino caregivers are known for being compassionate and emotionally supportive to residents,” Baysan said.</p><p>Baysan added that many Filipino caregivers come to the United States with strong educational backgrounds and continue developing their experience in the healthcare field.</p><p>In Arizona, caregivers are required to complete fingerprint clearance, tuberculosis testing, and caregiver certification before working in licensed facilities.</p><p>Sarah Arabit, an agency owner who works closely with caregiving staff, said the growing elderly population has created significant demand for trained workers.</p><p>“Aging is a global phenomenon, but here in the United States the demand for caregivers continues to grow. We really need caregivers to support the growing elderly population,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A calling rooted in compassion</strong></div><p>As the elderly population in the United States continues to rise, caregivers are becoming an increasingly essential part of the healthcare system.</p><p>For many Filipino caregivers, the work represents more than employment. It reflects deeply rooted cultural values of caring for elders with respect, patience, and compassion.</p><p>Across homes, hospitals, and care facilities throughout the country, Filipino caregivers continue to serve quietly but powerfully.</p><p>For many seniors, they are not simply caregivers but trusted companions who provide dignity, comfort, and human connection during one of life’s most vulnerable stages.</p>

<p>Experts project that by 2030, when the entire baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will reach more than 73 million. By then, one in every five people in the country will be a senior.</p>

Experts project that by 2030, when the entire baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will reach more than 73 million. By then, one in every five people in the country will be a senior.

Filipino caregivers in high demand as US population ages

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Filipino caregivers in high demand as US population ages

John Saavedra

Published April 12, 2026 03:04 PM PHT

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Caregivers

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Elderly care

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