Nearly One-Quarter U.S. Adults Provide Unpaid Elderly Care

Across the United States, millions of unpaid family caregivers provide essential support to aging or ill loved ones while often managing jobs and personal responsibilities. Data from AARP highlights that about one in four adults in states like New York, Indiana, and West Virginia serve as caregivers, delivering billions of dollars in unpaid care annually. These caregivers face significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges, frequently spending substantial personal funds and risking their own well-being. In Massachusetts and other communities, organizations like Central Boston Elder Services offer crucial support, helping caregivers balance their duties and maintain the dignity and independence of those they care for. Advocates and policymakers are increasingly calling for legislative measures, such as tax credits, to ease the burden on caregivers and ensure they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve. The collective efforts aim to sustain family caregiving as a vital system that preserves connection and quality of life for older adults.