Informal Caregiving:
By the Numbers
The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on the essential role of unpaid, informal caregivers in Illinois and throughout the country and the support they need to care for their families and friends.
Unpaid, Informal Caregivers Nationwide
1 out of 5 Americans
served as caregivers for family members and/or friends during the pandemic
Informal caregivers provide
30 billion hours
of uncompensated care each year, an average of
24 hours a week
30 billion hours
of uncompensated care each year, an average of
24 hours a week
6 out of 10 caregivers
say they need more information and support
Financial & Health Challenges
29% of caregivers
have struggled financially, including nearly half who lost jobs during the pandemic
Caregivers spend
an average of 26% of their income
on costs around providing care for older adults
an average of 26% of their income
on costs around providing care for older adults
6 out of 10 caregivers
consider their situation stressful, and 1 out of 5 report physical strain due to caregiving duties
61% of caregivers’ employment
situations have been negatively impacted
Illinois Facts
80% of Illinoisians aged 40+
would prefer to be cared for at home by a caregiver if they needed help
47% of voters
in Illinois age 50+ have experience as family caregivers, and of that group, 64% also worked while providing care
2/3
Two out of three current and former caregivers worked jobs while they provided care.
- Caregivers provide companionship (92%),
- help with errands (90%), transportation (87%),
- provide complex care including:
- managing medications (64%),
- bathing/dressing (52%), and
- medical/nursing support suppport (51%).
6 out of 10
used their own money to provide care.
News & Events
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RAISE Act – 2022 Strategies to Support Family Caregivers
The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was created to support family caregivers of all ages, from youth to grandparents, and regardless of where they live or what caregiving looks like for them and their loved ones. More information on ACL.gov -
Seeking Caregiver Support
Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition gives caregivers a voice, connects them with resources.
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Illinois is poised to become a national leader in supporting family caregivers
The new statewide Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition is focused on highlighting the high number of unpaid caregivers in the country and the hours and money they spend providing care for loved ones.
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Caregiver Appreciation Day
AgeOptions Caring Together, Living Better (CTLB) partners joined forces to present caregivers from their programs to a Caregiver Appreciation Day! CTLB Partners, with the support of local volunteers, arranged to host caregivers to a dedicated self-care day with activities including arts and crafts, upper body massages, and manicures.
