Make Me Smart The "invisible workforce" of family caregivers
Dec 16, 2025
Debra Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP, shines a light on the 63 million family caregivers in the U.S. She discusses the emotional and financial burdens these caregivers face, including an annual out-of-pocket cost of $7,200. The conversation explores the economic impact, revealing that support could yield a $1.7 trillion GDP boost. Debra emphasizes the need for policy changes like tax credits and flexible work options to ease the crisis, while highlighting the importance of having open conversations about care within families.
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Caregiving Has Become Widespread
- About 63 million Americans, nearly one in four, are family caregivers in 2025 according to AARP.
- That number rose by over 20 million since 2015, driven largely by an aging population and inadequate care systems.
A Sudden Shift Into Caregiving
- Debra Whitman described getting a call that her father was in pain and then quickly arranging travel and hospital care.
- She used that experience to show how caregiving often begins suddenly with little planning.
Caregiving Imposes Major Personal Costs
- Most family caregivers pay out of pocket and about half report major financial impact from caregiving.
- On average caregivers spend about $7,200 per year from their own pockets to support loved ones.