Number of family caregivers for older adults grows by one-third

The number of family caregivers supporting older adults living in home and residential-care settings increased 32% from 18.2 million to 24.1 million between 2011 and 2022, a Health Affairs study found. Family and other unpaid caregivers to older adults with dementia provided an average of 31.0 care hours per week in 2022, an increase of nearly 50% from 2011. The authors attribute the increase in part to an increase in the number of caregivers living with those they assist. Caregivers reported little change in caregiving difficulty or competing responsibilities, such as employment and childcare, despite reporting decreased reliance on respite care and support groups. The researchers recommend policymakers develop strong support systems for family caregivers, particularly those caring for people with dementia. (Newswise news release, 2/4/25)