The State of Family Caregiving in the United States

AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving published a joint report titled Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States. According to the research, an estimated 63 million Americans are serving as family caregivers — roughly one in four adults providing often unpaid care for a relative or friend with a disability, chronic illness, or other serious condition.

Key Findings

Intensity and Complexity of Care

About 44 percent of caregivers are in high-intensity caregiving situations, spending a significant amount of time each week helping someone with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as getting dressed or bathing. The study found that 28 percent of caregivers provided either constant care or at least 40 hours of care per week.

Nearly all (99 percent) caregivers also help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as meal preparation, financial management, housework, and transportation. About 55 percent perform medical or nursing-type tasks, such as giving injections and managing catheters — yet only 22 percent have received training for these tasks.

Financial and Health Effects

Nearly half of family caregivers said caregiving has negatively affected their financial situation. Some have stopped saving or have dipped into savings; others have taken on debt or paid bills late. One in five caregivers said they are in fair or poor health, and nearly a quarter reported struggling to care for themselves.

Though 60 percent of caregivers also hold a job, working caregivers reported financial difficulty and feelings of loneliness more often than nonworking caregivers.

State-by-State Variation

One standout insight from the study is that caregiving experiences are shaped by state policies, local supports, and the availability of services. Two caregivers with similar care-recipient needs may have very different experiences depending on where they live.

What This Means for Caregivers of Individuals With Disabilities

• Know Your State’s Landscape: Depending on where you live, you may need to proactively seek help from nonprofits, advocacy groups, or alternative supports.
• Assess the Intensity of Your Role: Many caregivers are doing more than check-in care. Recognize this and plan for support — training, respite, and self-care.
• Plan for Financial Implications: Hidden costs of caregiving include lost wages, poorer health, and burnout. Explore whether your employer offers flexible hours, remote work, or paid leave.
• Seek Training: Consider training through local disability services, home health agencies, or state caregiver support programs. This helps your care recipient and protects your own well-being.