The trend: The number of family caregivers in the US continues to increase, and many are taking on more responsibility, according to a survey of nearly 6,900 family caregivers ages 18+ from the AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving. For context, this study defines a family caregiver as someone who has a relationship with the recipient and who provides ongoing care to that person with complex medical conditions or disabilities.

The topline data on caregivers:

• 63 million people, or 24% of the US adult population, are family caregivers. That’s up about 19% from 2020 and 45% from 2015.
• Caregivers spend an average of 27 hours per week providing care, while 24% provide 40 or more hours per week
• Caregivers are just over 50 years old, on average. And 77% are between ages 18 and 64.

Family caregivers are facing significant challenges, as highlighted by three key findings from the report:

1. Family caregivers are rarely paid.

• More than 8 in 10 (81%) caregivers for adults provide solely unpaid care.
• About 16% get paid for some, but not all, of the care they provide.
• Just 3% of caregivers are paid for all of their work—typically through Medicaid, the VA, or other state programs.

2. Many lack formal training for the support they’re providing.

• Over half (55%) of caregivers conduct medical or nursing tasks, including managing catheters, performing injections, or monitoring vital signs.
• But just 22% say they’ve been properly taught how to provide these services.

3. Many caregivers are struggling in their own right.