NEW JERSEY — Family caregivers in New Jersey provide an estimated $28 billion worth of unpaid care each year, according to a new report from AARP that highlights the growing role of caregiving in the state’s health care system.
The report found that about 1.76 million New Jersey residents serve as caregivers for adults, contributing roughly 1.19 billion hours of care annually. If compensated, that work would be valued at approximately $28 billion per year based on an hourly rate of $23.68.
Most of this care is unpaid, yet it plays a critical role in helping older adults remain in their homes and avoid more costly institutional care.
“Family caregivers are a major economic force that fill critical gaps in our health care system,” said Chris Widelo, AARP New Jersey State Director “The economic value they provide now exceeds 28 billion annually, yet this care often comes at significant cost to caregivers’ health and financial security, and well-being. AARP is elevating this important issue and fighting to save family caregivers time and money.”
The report, Valuing the Invaluable 2026, also found that caregiving demands are increasing as more complex medical care shifts into the home. Caregivers in New Jersey now average about 27 hours of care per week, with 57% providing high-intensity support, including assistance with daily living activities and medical tasks such as wound care and administering medications.
Nationally, the report estimates that 59 million Americans provide 49.5 billion hours of care annually, valued at more than $1 trillion. That workload is equivalent to nearly 24 million full-time workers, or about 17% of the U.S. full-time workforce.
AARP noted that without family caregivers, significantly more individuals would rely on institutional care, increasing costs for taxpayers and public programs.
The report underscores the growing need for policies and resources to support caregivers, who often balance their responsibilities with jobs, financial pressures and their own health needs.
