In 2025, the landscape of family caregiving in the United States has reached a critical juncture. 63 million Americans—roughly one in four adults—are serving as caregivers, a staggering 45% increase since 2015.
The Caregiving in the US 2025 report, released by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, illuminates the evolving role of family caregivers, highlighting their indispensable contributions to the nation’s long-term care system and the urgent need for robust policy support. By leveraging comprehensive data, this report not only underscores the scale and intensity of caregiving but also charts a path forward to better support these unsung heroes.
The Growing Scope of Caregiving
The report reveals a dramatic rise in the number of family caregivers:
- 59 million caring for adults
- 4 million supporting children under 18 with illnesses or disabilities
This surge reflects an aging population, increasing chronic health conditions, and a growing reliance on family members to fill gaps in formal care systems.
Notably:
- One in three caregivers is under age 50
- Millennials are the largest cohort of working caregivers
- Caregiving is increasingly racially and ethnically diverse
Caregivers are also performing more high-intensity tasks, from administering medications to wound care—once reserved for trained professionals. Nearly 29% of caregivers belong to the “sandwich generation,” balancing care for both children and adults.
The Toll of Caregiving: Health, Finances, and Emotional Well-Being
Caregiving exacts a significant toll on those who undertake it. The Caregiving in the US 2025 report finds that 64% of caregivers experience high emotional stress, while 45% report significant physical strain. Nearly a quarter struggle to care for their own health, with 31.3% reporting distress and many noting a decline in their physical and mental well-being. Women, who comprise 60% of caregivers, often bear a disproportionate burden, spending 50% more time on caregiving tasks than men.
Financially, caregiving is equally challenging. Nearly half of caregivers report negative financial impacts, such as depleting savings or incurring debt. The economic value of unpaid caregiving is estimated at $600 billion annually, surpassing total Medicaid spending on long-term services and supports. Yet, caregivers like Brandon Will, who cares for his mother with Parkinson’s, often receive limited financial support. In Illinois, Brandon is paid for only 19 hours of care per week through Medicaid, despite providing round-the-clock assistance, highlighting the inadequacy of current support systems.
Data-Driven Solutions: A Roadmap for Support
The Caregiving in the US 2025 report emphasizes the power of data to transform caregiving support. By analyzing demographic trends, caregiving tasks, and their impacts, the report identifies key policy areas to alleviate caregiver burden:
- Financial Support: Expanding access to programs like Medicaid, which vary widely by state, could provide caregivers with fair compensation. Paid family and medical leave programs, as supported by Vermont voters, offer a model for reducing financial strain.
- Workplace Protections: With 70% of caregivers under 65 working, flexible work arrangements and paid leave are critical. Employers can play a role by offering benefits tailored to caregivers, such as respite care or counseling services.
- Access to Services: The report calls for increased investment in home and community-based services, such as Meals on Wheels, and training programs to equip caregivers with skills for complex medical tasks. Debbi Harris, a caregiver for her son with complex health needs, emphasizes the importance of rigorous training to ensure safety.
- Technology and Innovation: Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer, with tools like smartwatches and voice-activated assistants helping caregivers monitor health metrics and manage tasks. The report suggests that AI-driven platforms could foster virtual support communities, reducing isolation and enhancing care coordination.
Policy and Advocacy: Building a Caregiver-Centric Future
The Caregiving in the US 2025 report serves as a clarion call for policymakers, advocates, and service providers to prioritize caregivers. The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, developed with input from over 1,600 caregivers and 150 organizations, outlines actionable steps to strengthen support systems.
Recent bipartisan efforts, such as the Senate Appropriations Committee’s allocation of $2.5 billion for aging and caregiver programs, signal growing recognition of caregivers’ contributions. However, the report stresses that more consistent data collection—using standardized terminology and longitudinal studies—is needed to inform evidence-based policies.
The report also highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions, particularly for marginalized communities. Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ caregivers often face disproportionate challenges, including higher rates of financial and emotional strain. Tailored support, such as linguistically accessible resources and community-based programs, can address these inequities.
A Call to Action
Caregivers are the backbone of America’s long-term care system, yet their sacrifices often go unrecognized. The Caregiving in the US 2025 report, through its robust data, paints a vivid picture of their challenges and resilience. By leveraging these insights, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to support caregivers’ health, financial stability, and emotional well-being.
As Rita B. Choula of AARP notes, “Caregivers are just as likely to be a millennial or Gen Z family member, juggling a job, young kids, and an aging parent.” Recognizing this diversity and complexity is the first step toward building a more supportive system.
For caregivers like Ty Lewis, who cares for her mother with Alzheimer’s, and Brandon Will, the path forward requires collective action.
Policymakers must prioritize funding, employers must adapt to caregivers’ needs, and communities must embrace innovative solutions like AI-driven support. By transforming data into action, we can ensure that America’s 63 million caregivers are not only seen but supported, enabling them to care with dignity and sustainability.
About Kleinert’s
Since 1869, Kleinert’s has been developing innovative personal care products designed to support individuals and their caregivers. From incontinence solutions to specialized apparel that protects against leaks, odor, and excess perspiration, Kleinert’s products help caregivers provide comfort and dignity to the elders and loved ones they support.