Although the sacrifices of caregivers are priceless, AARP's Public Policy Institute has been able to calculate a value for all of the unpaid hours caregivers spend providing support and supervision to their loved ones.

According to AARP's most recent report, the contributions of family caregivers in 2006 provided an economic value of approximately $350 billion to the U.S. economy.

Imagine how our long term care system would function (or cease to function) without the contributions of informal caregivers!

While it's great to acknowledge the value of caregiving, what strikes me as missing in the conversation is the importance of supporting caregivers. Faced with one of the toughest jobs around, caregivers need help, too.

That's why one of the fastest growing categories on this site is the section especially for caregivers.

Thank you, caregivers, for everything you do.