8 Shocking Statistics About Family Caregivers in America
Many Americans are stunned when they learn the true scope of family caregiving in the U.S. today. The numbers are not just surprising—they're staggering.
Nicole àBeckett
Published on July 22, 2025
America's silent workforce are the family caregivers
Here are some eye-opening statistics*:
53 million Americans provide unpaid care for a spouse, elderly parent or relative, or special-needs child, accounting for nearly one in five adults.
If compensated, family caregivers would collectively earn an estimated $600 billion annually based on the market value of their labor.
On average, caregivers dedicate 26 hours per week to caregiving tasks, but one in four provides more than 41 hours—the equivalent of a full-time job.
67% of family caregivers report difficulties in managing both work and caregiving responsibilities.
More than 650,000 caregivers have left their jobs and almost 800,000 individuals report absenteeism issues at work due to family caregiving.
Nearly 25% of caregivers of an elderly or sick adult also have young children under the age of 18. These family caregivers belong to the “sandwich generation.”
When it comes to mental well-being, merely 23% of caregivers report "good" mental health, and 40% say that their caregiving responsibilities negatively impact their stress levels.
11% of family caregivers report that caregiving has caused their physical health to deteriorate.
There are SO many more caregiver statistics to discuss. As the demand for family caregivers continues to rise, these unsung heroes provide an essential yet often overlooked service to millions of loved ones.
👉 Join HeroGeneration today to help relieve stress, find community and get the resources you need.
*Stats via guardianlife.com, "Standing Up and Stepping In: A Modern Look at Caregivers in the US," 2023
About Nicole àBeckett
Nicole àBeckett is the founder of HeroGeneration, a platform born from her personal journey as a caregiver to her aging parents. While raising her own young family, Nicole was thrust into the complex world of hospital discharges, care decisions, and medical advocacy — all with little guidance or support. Her experience as part of the “sandwich generation” inspired her to create a resource that didn’t exist: one that empowers caregivers with clarity, tools, and community during some of life’s most overwhelming transitions. A passionate advocate and social entrepreneur, Nicole brings heartfelt stories, practical insights, and a mission to shine a light on the invisible work of caregiving. She’s on a mission to change how we support family caregivers — and to remind them they’re not alone.