Value of Caregiving

The estimated dollar amount family caregivers saved their states and D.C., per hour, in 2009

by: AARP Bulletin | from: AARP Bulletin | October 20, 2011

If family caregivers were no longer available to provide their time and support, the economic cost to the U.S. health care and long-term services and supports systems would increase dramatically. In 2009, while 42 million family caregivers provided care on a daily basis to an adult with limitations, more than 61 million provided care at some time during the year. The estimated economic value of their unpaid help was approximately $450 billion. Here is that family caregiver's contribution in 2009, per hour, for each state and D.C.

Source: AARP Public Policy Institute, “Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update”

Unpaid family caregivers save the nation an estimated $450 billion. — Photo by Karen Kasmauski/Science Faction/Corbis

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