SPOKANE, Wash. — On Wednesday, more than 100 people spent the morning in Spokane Valley for the annual caregiver conference, an event for family caregivers to get resources, expert advice, and connect with others in a similar situation.

The number of Americans caring for their loved ones is increasing, according to a 2025 AARP study that shows a 45% increase in family caregivers over the last decade.

“I became a real caregiver when my husband lost his vision. He’s completely blind, and that was a game-changer," said Karen Miller, who cares for her husband.

She says it's her third time attending Frontier Behavioral Health's conference, and says the connections and new perspectives are the best part.

"It’s easy to say this is a challenge...it’s harder to say this is my gain from it,"

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