Approximately 59 million Americans provide unpaid care for adult family members, neighbors, or friends, according to research from AARP. The financial burden on these caregivers has become substantial, with individuals spending an average of $8,737 annually out of pocket for care-related expenses, creating pressure on their own retirement security and employment situations.
An AARP survey conducted in 43 competitive congressional districts earlier in October examined voter attitudes toward caregiving support policies. Among likely voters age 50 and older, 77% indicated they would be more likely to vote for candidates supporting tax credits for unpaid family caregivers. Additionally, 75% of older voters said they would favor candidates advocating for policies enabling loved ones to remain in their homes. The survey included 1,368 likely voters age 18 and older, with 848 respondents age 50 and older, and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.
Research from the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey highlights the broader financial impacts of caregiving responsibilities. Approximately 34% of caregivers reported having less than $10,000 in savings and investments, compared with 25% of non-caregivers. Additionally, 69% of caregivers reported debt problems, versus 57% of non-caregivers. These financial challenges are particularly acute for members of the sandwich generation, who support aging parents while simultaneously raising children or managing other family obligations.
Experts note that upcoming policy changes could intensify these pressures. Medicaid cuts scheduled for January may reduce caregiver support, with additional reductions anticipated in 2027. Political science researchers suggest these cuts could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and workers in the care economy. For many caregivers and their families, questions remain about whether proposed policy solutions will translate into tangible assistance.
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