Approximately 59 million Americans provide unpaid care for adult family members, neighbors, or friends, according to AARP research. Many of these caregivers experience significant financial strain, with an Edward Jones study finding that Americans caring for aging relatives spend an average of $8,737 annually out of pocket. These expenses impact caregivers’ personal retirement savings and career trajectories.
A survey conducted by Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research for AARP examined voter priorities in 43 competitive congressional districts. Among 848 voters age 50 and older interviewed from Oct. 1-5, results indicated strong support for caregiver-focused policies. Seventy-seven percent of older voters said they would be more likely to support candidates backing tax credits for unpaid family caregivers. Additionally, 75% indicated they would favor candidates advocating for support enabling loved ones to remain in their homes. Analysts noted that voters age 50 and above represent a critical voting bloc capable of influencing election outcomes.
The financial consequences of caregiving extend beyond immediate expenses. Data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey showed caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to have limited savings and debt problems. Approximately 34% of caregivers reported having less than $10,000 in savings and investments, compared with 25% of non-caregivers. Nearly 69% of caregivers identified debt as problematic, compared with 57% of non-caregivers.
The burden disproportionately affects members of the sandwich generation, who simultaneously support aging parents while raising children or managing other family responsibilities. Political science research suggests this demographic will continue expanding as the population ages. Proposed Medicaid cuts scheduled to take effect in January and additional reductions anticipated for 2027 could intensify financial challenges for low-income caregivers. Despite campaign proposals addressing caregiver support, some caregivers expressed skepticism about whether advertised policies would materialize into substantive assistance.
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