The hidden backbone of family care

About this episode

This episode discusses the significant yet often overlooked role of family caregivers in North Dakota and the need for greater community awareness and support.

Family caregiving across North Dakota often happens quietly, but its impact is anything but small. In this episode of The Backstory, Michael Standaert discusses his reporting on family caregivers and the enormous role they play in helping loved ones remain at home. The conversation centers on new data that puts a dollar value on work that many families simply consider part of daily life, even as it consumes time, energy, and emotional reserves. “They estimated it's about $1.27 billion annually, the amount of work that family caregivers put in in North Dakota… It's a tremendous amount of work and stress… It's often hard to see, and it's not often thought of as work.” – Michael Standaert, NDNC The episode also explores how caregiving responsibilities extend far beyond basic daily tasks. Caregivers may help manage finances, attend medical appointments, and navigate complex healthcare systems, often taking notes and researching conditions so their loved ones can better understand what doctors are saying. Michael also discusses the need for stronger community awareness and support systems, noting that caregivers can easily find their time fully consumed by responsibilities. Resources…

People in this episode

Guest: Michael Standaert

Topics covered

• family caregiving
• North Dakota
• community support
• healthcare systems

Keywords

• caregivers
• financial management
• medical appointments
• healthcare navigation

Mentioned in this episode

Products: North Dakota Aging & Disability Resource Link, North Dakota Family Caregiver Support Program

Books & works: The Backstory

Places: North Dakota, NDNC

More episodes of The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative

• Ripple effects across North Dakota from farming uncertainty · April 24, 2026 · 15 min
• Bakken boom lessons still shaping North Dakota communities · April 3, 2026 · 10 min
• Candid conversation on the future of agriculture · March 20, 2026 · 19 min
• Inside North Dakota’s new diversion and reentry programs · March 13, 2026 · 16 min
• Reporting North Dakota: The Walsh County Press · March 6, 2026 · 17 min
• New federal nutrition standards pose challenges for North Dakota schools · February 27, 2026 · 20 min