Rising Number of Family Caregivers in the United States

Over the past decade, the United States has experienced a significant surge in the number of family members providing care for aging or disabled relatives. According to a recent report from the AARP, the number of family caregivers has increased by 45% from 2015 to 2025, now reaching approximately 63 million Americans. This rise is largely driven by the aging Baby Boomer population, with nearly half of care recipients aged 75 or older who often face multiple chronic health conditions.

Family caregivers are taking on more complex tasks beyond basic support, including managing medications, transportation, and coordinating medical care over longer periods. Many caregivers are juggling these responsibilities with full- or part-time employment—about 70% of those aged 18 to 64 doing so. This dual burden can impact their careers, with some experiencing slower advancement or increased absenteeism.

Caregiving takes a notable toll on emotional and physical health, with 64% reporting high emotional stress and 45% experiencing physical strain. Financial impacts are also substantial; nearly half of caregivers report at least one adverse financial effect, such as depleting savings or halting savings efforts. This combination of stress and financial strain underscores the need for better support systems.

Advocacy groups like AARP are pushing for policy changes such as tax credits for caregiving expenses and reimbursing healthcare providers to train family caregivers. Additionally, resources to help coordinate complex care are vital, as caregivers often assume the role of primary care coordinators for their loved ones.

To assist in these efforts, caregivers are encouraged to connect with local Aging and Disability Resource Centers, which provide access to much-needed community resources. The growing reliance on family caregivers highlights the necessity for increased recognition and support for this vital but often underappreciated role.