HARRISBURG, PA — Nearly one in four adults in Pennsylvania—more than two million people—are unpaid family caregivers, according to new data from AARP’s Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States report. The study reveals a growing crisis of financial strain, emotional stress, and limited support among those caring for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones with complex medical needs.
Family caregivers collectively provide an estimated $22 billion in unpaid care each year across the Commonwealth. Their duties range from managing medications and preparing meals to bathing, transportation, and coordinating medical appointments—often without formal training. About 70% of caregivers also hold full- or part-time jobs, forcing many to cut back on work hours or leave the workforce altogether, putting their own financial futures at risk.
“Family caregivers perform a staggering amount of unpaid, essential work that holds up Pennsylvania’s long-term care system,” said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. “Their caregiving commitment comes at a profound cost to their own health, finances, and well-being.”
According to AARP, 80% of caregivers spend their own money to support loved ones, averaging $7,200 per year, or roughly a quarter of their income. Four in ten caregivers report major financial setbacks, including depleted savings or unpaid bills. About 46% have made home modifications, such as ramps or safety bars, to accommodate their care recipients.
The toll extends beyond finances. Roughly 26% of caregivers experience high emotional stress, and one in five struggle to maintain their own health while caring for others. Nearly half say their caregiving role gives them a sense of purpose, but many feel isolated and unsupported.
AARP Pennsylvania has urged lawmakers to strengthen caregiver support through paid family leave, expanded care-dependent tax credits, and greater funding for Area Agencies on Aging. The organization also continues to promote the Credit for Caring Act, a federal proposal offering up to $5,000 in tax relief for working caregivers.
“Supporting family caregivers isn’t just compassionate—it’s a smart investment in Pennsylvania’s families and healthcare system,” Johnston-Walsh said.
The AARP report reinforces a fundamental truth: as the state’s population ages, caregiving is no longer a niche issue—it’s a shared social responsibility that touches every community across Pennsylvania.
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