An estimated 63 million people in the United States are currently shouldering the heavy burden of providing care and nursing support for family members, with roughly two-thirds of them suffering from high levels of emotional stress.

According to the Associated Press on the 8th (local time), the number of U.S. adults who provide ongoing care for family members or acquaintances reached approximately 63 million as of 2025—translating to roughly 1 in every 4 American adults.

The scope of caregiving extends far beyond simply preparing meals or accompanying loved ones to hospital appointments. A significant portion of caregivers handle intimate daily activities such as bathing and dressing, managing medication schedules, coordinating medical appointments, and providing transportation. While performing tasks that closely mirror professional healthcare, most receive no professional training or financial compensation simply because they are caring for their own family members.

Data from the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) shows that nearly 1 in 4 family caregivers spends 40 hours or more per week on caregiving tasks. Furthermore, 1 in 3 has been providing care for more than five years, making caregiving effectively another full-time job.

Balancing caregiving with employment only magnifies the strain. About 60% of family caregivers are currently employed, and nearly half of them reported experiencing disruptions at work—such as arriving late, leaving early, or taking time off due to their caregiving responsibilities.

The financial burden is equally staggering. According to media reports, about 80% of family caregivers pay out-of-pocket for care-related expenses. Their average annual out-of-pocket spending is estimated at over $7,200, which amounts to roughly a quarter of their personal income.

These caregiving costs inevitably take a toll on everyday life. Many caregivers reported taking on debt, halting their savings, or even cutting back on groceries to cover these expenses. Nearly half of all caregivers surveyed stated they have suffered direct financial consequences as a result.

The "Sandwich Generation": Raising Children While Managing Family Care, Facing Risks of Depression and Isolation

The pressure is particularly crushing for the "sandwich generation," who must simultaneously juggle child-rearing and family caregiving. A report released by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) revealed that about 17 million people are raising children under the age of 18 while caring for adult family members, accounting for 29% of all adult caregivers. Among caregivers under the age of 50, this proportion skyrockets to 47%.

The weight of caregiving also takes a heavy toll on the caregivers' own health. The Associated Press pointed out that caregivers frequently sacrifice their own sleep, exercise, medical appointments, and social lives to look after family members. Prolonged exposure to these conditions leads not only to severe physical exhaustion, but also to heightened risks of depression and isolation.

Meanwhile, the economic value of family care is immense. The AARP Public Policy Institute estimates that the value of unpaid care provided by approximately 59 million adult caregivers in the U.S. reaches roughly $1.01 trillion annually. This figure surpasses the total federal, state, and local government expenditures combined on Medicaid, the nation's public health insurance program for low-income individuals.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]