2024 State of Caregiving Report Reveals Rising Caregiving Crisis for Families Caring for Aging Parents In America

Editor’s Note: A recent report commissioned by A Place for Mom (APFM) looked at the 2024 State of Caregiving. Below are the highlights. 

The report highlights important findings about U.S. family caregiver challenges and emphasizes the need to raise awareness of the increased and urgent need for support and resources.

“We are living in unprecedented times, where over the next six years there will be 100 million more 80+-year-olds with a higher acuity of care needed than before,” said Tatyana Zlotsky, CEO at A Place for Mom. “Caregivers of aging loved ones are an underrepresented group that need our help. This year’s State of Caregiving report, which surveyed over 1,000 unpaid caregivers of older loved ones, showed nearly eight out of 10 people (79%) were not fully prepared to take on the role of caregiver, and 72% reported feeling more overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed from the demands of caring for seniors.”

Highlights from the Responses of Unpaid Caregivers of Senior Loved Ones Surveyed in the 2024 State of Caregiving Report:

An Emotional and Financial Toll

• Most caregivers (72%) report feeling more overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed after taking on the responsibility of caring for aging loved ones.
• Seventy-two percent of caregivers experience financial strain due to caring for aging loved ones.
• Among those who were employed before taking on this role, 65% report having less time for work or have had to quit their jobs entirely.

A Balancing Act

• Nearly eight out of 10 (79%) were not fully prepared to take on the role of caregiver for their aging loved ones.
• Almost half (43%) are part of the “sandwich generation,” facing the double challenge of caring for senior loved ones while also managing the needs of their children or grandchildren.

Day-to-Day Challenges

• Caregiving is typically a long-term commitment, with 75% of caregivers providing support for more than one year; on average, they provide care for 2.5 years.
• Most caregivers help their loved ones on a daily basis, dedicating an average of 22 hours to their duties each week.
• Caregivers who work full-time have to balance their careers and caregiving and still spend an average of 20 hours per week as a caregiver outside of their jobs.
• Seventy-seven percent have family and/or friends involved in caring for their aging loved ones, but 74% report disagreements on care decisions.
• Sixty-seven percent say they are either not receiving enough help or are receiving no help at all from friends and family.

A Need for Support

• More than half (55%) of caregivers lack full confidence in the care they provide.
• Nearly half (47%) need help from a professional caregiver (at home or in a senior living community), but only 15% currently receive this support.
• Eighty-six percent of caregivers say they are concerned about their loved one’s loneliness.
• Seventy-two percent of caregivers find aspects of caregiving and future care planning difficult to navigate, while one-third (33%) find it hard to discuss alternative care options with their aging loved ones.