Statistics come from a 2015 comprehensive research report by the AARP Public Policy Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving surveying more than 1,200 caregivers, in addition to one of its companion reports, and an AARP 2016 financial survey and study of 1,864 caregivers. (See links below.)
What does the typical caregiver look like?
- 60% are female.
- 85% care for a relative.
- 56% work full time.
Financial strain of caregiving
- For the majority of caregivers, 20% of annual income is spent out of pocket on caregiving.
- $7,000 annually spent on average.
Stress and health
- 50% of caregivers say they had no choice in taking on the role.
- 17% of caregivers say their health is fair or poor.
- 45% of caregivers report emotional stress.
Sources:
Family Caregiving and Out-of-Pocket Costs: 2016 Report
2015 Report: Caregiving in the U.S.
Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 — A Focused Look at Caregivers of Younger Adults