US family caregivers surge to 63 million amid rising chronic illness
Updated
Updated · National Press Foundation · May 5
US family caregivers surge to 63 million amid rising chronic illness
5 articles · Updated · National Press Foundation · May 5
The total, up from 43 million in 2015, equals one in four US adults, with National Alliance for Caregiving chief Jason Resendez warning demand will keep rising.
Most caregivers are unpaid relatives, and 61% also hold other jobs as high professional care costs push emotional, physical and financial burdens onto households.
Women still provide most care, though men account for 38%, while nearly 30% are in the sandwich generation caring for both an ill adult and a child.
How can middle-class families escape financial ruin when long-term care costs more than double the median household income?
With family care valued at over $1 trillion, why is this massive economic engine still running on unpaid labor?
Will AgeTech innovations liberate family caregivers or create a new digital divide and privacy crisis for the elderly?
America’s 63 Million Family Caregivers: The Hidden Burden, Policy Failures, and the Urgent Need for Reform
Overview
The United States faces a growing crisis as nearly one in four adults—about 63 million people—are now family caregivers for loved ones with complex medical needs. These caregivers often take on demanding tasks similar to those of trained professionals, yet most have little or no formal training. This lack of preparation leads to increased stress and potential risks for both caregivers and those they support. As the number of caregivers rises and their responsibilities become more complex, the gap in training and support highlights the urgent need for better resources and recognition for family caregivers nationwide.