When Caregivers Lead, Better Solutions Follow

Family caregiving is often described in terms of sacrifice, stress, or exhaustion. But when we step back and invite caregivers into the design process, something powerful happens: we move from problems to solutions.

MIT AgeLab recently ran a co-design workshop with family caregivers. Instead of simply asking for feedback, they asked caregivers to create prototypes of AI-powered tools they wished existed.

The results highlighted two big needs:

·       Empathetic tools to help manage daily routines like medication and activity.

·       Clear, personalized ways to share and understand medical information.

What I love about this approach is that it proves something I believe deeply: caregivers aren’t just end-users. We are innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. When we’re invited to the table, the solutions become more relevant, practical, and human.

As the Caregiver CEO, my mission is to shift how we view caregiving, from burden to leadership. Studies like this affirm that caregivers already have the vision to shape better systems. What we need are platforms that respect our voices and amplify our ideas.

Imagine what could change if caregivers were included in designing every support system, from healthcare to workplace policies to community resources. That’s the future I’m working toward.

What do you think, how can we make sure caregivers have a seat at the design table?

To read the MIT Age Lab article in its entirety CLICK HERE.

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