Health · Healthcare & Policy · 11 hrs ago
Family caregivers spend an average of $11,508 a year out of pocket
AARP found that US family caregivers spend $11,508 a year on average out of pocket to care for an adult relative or friend.
That amount equals about 31% of caregivers’ household income.
For households earning under $40,000 a year, caregiving costs average 76% of income.
Housing and household expenses are the biggest costs, followed by medical bills such as prescriptions, copayments and equipment.
People caring for someone with dementia spend an average of $15,846 a year, while those doing three or more medical or nursing tasks spend $15,648.
Nearly two-thirds of working caregivers said caregiving had affected their work, and some borrow money or use retirement savings to pay for care.
The figures show how caregiving can strain family finances, jobs and savings, especially when care needs are complex.
Family caregivers spend an average of $11,508 a year out of pocket while caring for an adult relative or friend, according to a new AARP study.
That spending averages 31% of caregivers’ household income.
Caregivers in households earning less than $40,000 a year spend an average of 76% of their income on caregiving.
Household and housing costs are the largest spending category, averaging $4,797 a year.
Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia spend an average of $15,846 annually.
- Who
- Family caregivers caring for an adult relative or friend.
- What
- They spend an average of $11,508 a year out of pocket on caregiving, according to an AARP study.
- When
- The study was released Wednesday. The article was published October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The spending covers costs such as housing, food, medical care and other caregiving expenses.
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- Average annual out-of-pocket spending
- $11,508
- Share of household income spent
- 31% on average
- Caregivers in households earning under $40,000
- 76% of income spent on caregiving, on average
- Household and housing expenses
- $4,797 a year on average
- Caregivers of people with dementia
- $15,846 a year on average