Millions of Americans are quietly working a second job they never applied for, rarely get paid for, and can’t simply walk away from. They’re managing medications, driving parents to appointments, helping spouses bathe, paying medical bills, and making sure someone they love gets through another day. For many, these responsibilities come on top of full-time employment, raising children, and managing their own households.
Now, new research reveals just how widespread this situation has become. According to the 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, approximately 63 million Americans provide ongoing care for loved ones, representing nearly one in four adults. That’s roughly 20 million more caregivers than a decade earlier.
