The Current Landscape of Unpaid Caregiving in the U.S.
Recent data from the 2025 AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving report, Caregiving in the US, indicates a substantial increase in the number of unpaid family caregivers. The study reveals that 63 million Americans are now family caregivers, a 45% increase since 2015. The proportion of American adults acting as caregivers has climbed to 24%. This growing trend is driven by an aging Baby Boomer population, the rising cost of long-term care, and a shortage of professional caregivers.
The care provided by these individuals is often complex and demanding, including tasks that were once performed only in hospitals. This expansion of responsibilities places a considerable strain on caregivers, impacting their physical, mental, and financial well-being. Despite the essential nature of their contributions, the majority of this care is uncompensated, with a small percentage receiving some form of payment through government programs.
Demographics and Impact on Caregivers
Statistics consistently show that women bear a disproportionate share of the caregiving burden. In 2025, the AARP report found that caregivers are becoming more diverse across income, generation, and race. However, women still make up a majority of caregivers and typically provide more hours of care per week than men. In addition, many caregivers are employed while also fulfilling their caregiving duties. For many, this dual role leads to work disruptions, such as having to take a leave of absence, reduce hours, or turn down a promotion. This can have severe financial consequences, with many dipping into their savings or taking on debt.
The physical and mental health toll on unpaid caregivers is well-documented. A CDC report highlighted that unpaid caregiving is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, worse self-reported health, and increased risk of early death. Recent studies from the CDC also indicate that caregivers over 45 are more likely to experience cognitive decline. This shows that prioritizing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for caregivers to avoid burnout and maintain their own health.
Challenges Faced by Unpaid Caregivers
Caregiving is a multi-faceted role with several significant challenges:
- Financial Strain: Unpaid caregiving is a major financial burden. In 2021, the value of care provided by unpaid family caregivers was estimated at $600 billion, yet caregivers themselves face substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Many have to use personal savings or take on debt to cover expenses.
- Emotional Stress and Social Isolation: The demands of caregiving often lead to high emotional stress and social isolation. Many caregivers report feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and a significant portion feel alone.
- Lack of Training: Despite often performing complex medical tasks, only a minority of caregivers receive formal medical training. This lack of preparation can increase stress and compromise the quality of care provided.
- Difficulty Coordinating Care: A significant portion of family caregivers report difficulty coordinating care with healthcare providers. This can be particularly challenging when managing multiple appointments, medications, and different medical specialties.
Comparison of Unpaid Caregivers vs. Non-Caregivers
The following table illustrates some key differences between unpaid caregivers and non-caregivers based on recent research.
| Aspect | Unpaid Caregivers | Non-Caregivers |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health | Higher rates of depression and anxiety | Lower rates of depression and anxiety |
| Physical Health | More likely to report fair or poor health | Generally better self-reported physical health |
| Financial Well-being | Half report negative financial impacts | Less likely to experience financial strain due to care responsibilities |
| Employment Impact | Seven in ten are employed, with many experiencing disruptions | Work-life balance is less affected by caregiving duties |
| Sense of Purpose | Many report a sense of purpose from their role | Does not apply to the caregiving role |
| Time Commitment | Significant time spent on caregiving, impacting personal time | More time available for leisure and personal activities |
The Future of Caregiving in America
As the U.S. population continues to age, the demand for unpaid care is projected to grow even more, intensifying the challenges faced by caregivers. The oldest Baby Boomers are turning 80, leading to a rising need for long-term care, often provided at home by family members. Policymakers and advocacy groups are increasingly focusing on the critical need for better support systems for unpaid caregivers. Initiatives such as paid leave, tax credits, and increased access to resources are being advocated to alleviate the significant burden on caregivers and ensure they can continue their vital work. The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers is an example of a federal initiative influencing state-level policies to enhance support. The recognition of caregivers as a critical component of the healthcare system is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Sources:
- AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving. (2025). Caregiving in the US 2025. Press Release.
- AARP. (August 19, 2025). US family caregivers rise to 63M, with most going unpaid. eMarketer.
- Henry Ford Health. (February 25, 2020). Family Caregivers Need to Look Out for Their Own Health. News Release.
Note: While some compensation programs exist through Medicaid waivers and other government initiatives, the vast majority of family caregivers receive no financial compensation. Efforts to address the financial and emotional costs of caregiving are ongoing, with a focus on comprehensive caregiver support programs.
