Over Quarter US Adults Providing Unpaid Family Care Amid Financial Strain

A recent report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving highlights significant state-by-state disparities in the challenges faced by family caregivers across the U.S., with nearly a quarter of adults providing care for loved ones with disabilities or complex medical conditions. Financial strain among caregivers varies widely, with states like Georgia experiencing up to 59% of caregivers facing economic hardship, while Minnesota has a much lower rate at 34%, underscoring the impact of differing state policies on paid leave and respite care. In Washington state, over 1.3 million caregivers face financial setbacks, with nearly half reporting difficulties such as stopping savings, unpaid bills, and increased debt; many also struggle with emotional and physical stress. West Virginia has seen a sharp increase in caregivers, now accounting for over a quarter of adults, providing more than $3 billion in unpaid care annually, reflecting an aging population and greater recognition of caregiving roles. Despite the essential service family caregivers provide, many remain unpaid and under-supported, with states like Washington having only 14% of caregivers receiving pay compared to the national average of 18%. Advocates urge lawmakers to pass policies that better support caregivers, recognizing the growing aging population and the critical role caregivers play in enabling loved ones to live independently at home.