Family Caregiving Costs Soar by Nearly 60% in Five Years, AARP Report Finds
A new report from AARP reveals that out-of-pocket expenses for family caregivers in the U.S. have increased by nearly 60% between 2021 and 2026, rising from $7,242 to $11,508 annually before inflation adjustments. This significant increase places a substantial financial burden on families, with out-of-pocket outlays consuming approximately one-third (31%) of a caregiver’s household income. For caregivers earning less than $40,000 annually, this proportion jumps to 76% of their household income, severely impacting their ability to afford other necessities like food, utilities, and rent. The report, based on a 2026 survey of 2,538 family caregivers, highlights that housing and household expenses constitute the largest category of costs at 42% ($4,797 annually), followed by medical costs at 29% ($3,313 annually). Caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias face even higher costs, averaging $15,846 annually.
