America’s Caregiving Crisis Deepens as 63 Million Adults Juggle Work and Family Responsibilities

Anita Robinson's early retirement from a senior tech role in Atlanta wasn't planned. At 57, she left her three-decade career to care for her 83-year-old mother, who suffers from blindness, dementia, and four cancer diagnoses. "I just couldn't in good conscience leave her," Robinson said, echoing the plight of millions.

AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving report a record 63 million Americans—nearly one in four adults—now provide care for children with disabilities or adults with health needs. This marks a sharp rise from 53 million in 2020 and 43.5 million a decade ago. The financial toll is staggering: 20% of caregivers skip bills, 30% deplete savings, and over 20% accumulate debt.

"What's even more troubling is what caregiving costs people," said AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan. The crisis compounds as caregivers face career disruptions, with many reducing work hours or leaving jobs entirely. The strain reflects systemic gaps in support for families navigating health crises.