Family Caregiving Fast Facts: Statistics & Support for Family Caregivers

The Reality of Family Caregiving in the U.S.

Did you know…

• Over 34 Million Americans are Family Caregivers: More than 34 million people in the U.S. have provided unpaid care for an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months.
• Caregiving for Multiple Adults: While 82% of caregivers support one adult, 15% care for two adults, and 3% care for three or more adults.
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care: Approximately 15.7 million caregivers in the U.S. provide care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
• Female Caregivers Make Up 75% of All Family Caregivers: The majority of caregivers are female, underscoring the significant role women play in caregiving.

Time Commitment for Family Caregivers

• Average Weekly Hours: Family caregivers typically spend 24.4 hours each week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 spends over 41 hours per week on caregiving duties.
• Daily Tasks and Responsibilities: On average, caregivers dedicate 13 days per month to tasks such as shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and managing medications.

Age Demographics of Caregivers and Recipients

• Average Age of Family Caregivers and Recipients: The average family caregiver is 49.2 years old, while the average care recipient is 69.4 years old, with 47% of recipients being 75 or older.
• Length of Caregiving Role: The typical duration of a caregiving role is around four years.

*Source – Family Caregiver Alliance 

Recognizing Family Caregivers as “Superstars”

“Family caregivers are superstars,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “These statistics show that, while caring for an older loved one is extremely rewarding, it can also be challenging and exhausting.”

November: National Family Caregivers Month

In November, HCAN joins with organizations across the country to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, honoring caregivers by raising awareness of caregiving issues, educating communities, and providing essential support.

The Challenges and Rewards of Family Caregiving

“Family caregivers often sacrifice their own health and well-being to ensure their aging loved ones are happy, healthy, and safe,” Goetz said. “This month, as we celebrate their unwavering commitment, we also want them to know that they don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here to help — to give them the break they need.”

How HCAN Supports Family Caregivers

At HCAN, we work closely with family caregivers to develop customized care plans that will meet their seniors’ unique needs. Whether it’s for just a few hours a week or around the clock, our professional caregivers provide everything from companionship and meal prep to personal and Alzheimer’s care. 

“We certainly can’t replace the family caregiver, but we can lend a helping hand,” Goetz said. “When our caregivers are in your senior loved one’s home, you can be sure they’re getting consistent, compassionate care that you can count on – the kind of care we would want for our own aging loved ones.”

Learn More About HCAN’s Caregiving Support Services

For more information about HCAN services, visit hcanthrive.com or call your local HCAN-supported office.