How Rising Home Care Expenses Impact Family Caregivers

In-home care is becoming increasingly expensive, and unfortunately, it’s only expected to rise from here. As these costs continue to climb, family caregivers are feeling the pressure not just financially, but emotionally and physically as well. Balancing the demands of caregiving with personal well-being is no easy task and the burden is only growing heavier.

Why Are In-Home Care Costs Rising?

Growing Demand We’ve got an aging population on the rise, and with more people living longer comes a higher demand for in-home care services.

By 2050, the number of older adults will nearly double, according to AARP. And guess what happens when demand goes up? You guessed it: the prices do too!

Workforce Shortages and High Turnover Workforce shortages and high turnover are major factors driving up in-home care costs! While the direct care sector is booming, with over 860,000 new jobs projected by 2032, the growth doesn’t paint the whole picture. Over the next decade, 8.9 million positions will need to be filled due to workers leaving, switching careers, or retiring. The Home Care Association of America reports a staggering 79.2% turnover rate for home care workers in 2023, with nearly 4 out of 5 caregivers leaving within their first 100 days. The cost of the turnovers plus the shortage of supply increases the cost of care.

Complex Care Needs The level of care required also plays a huge role.

Basic tasks like bathing and meal prep are more affordable, but around-the-clock care or skilled nursing services are much pricier. More care means more cost!

Geographic Variation  The cost of home care also varies based on where you live. If you’re in a high-cost state like California or New York, you’ll likely see higher prices than in rural areas.

Caregiving is difficult! These books can make caregiving just a little lighter by offering guidance, support, and perspective when it's needed most. If you click on the link and make a purchase, the nonprofit I founded (Elder Love USA) that provides affordable in-home care gets a small commission.

The AARP Caregiver Answer Book

Written in an easy-to-use Q&A format by two seasoned psychologists, this guide tackles everything from navigating family dynamics to managing medical care and finding support.

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The 36-Hour Day

With over 3.5 million copies sold, this bestselling book is the definitive resource for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

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AARP Meditations for Caregivers

This heartfelt book combines reflective meditations, personal stories, and practical advice to help caregivers manage stress, stay grounded, and reconnect with the deeper purpose behind their role.

Buy Here

How Rising Costs Impact Family Caregivers

As the price of professional in-home care continues to climb, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the services they need. This financial burden often leads them to rely more on unpaid family caregivers, such as spouses, children, or other relatives, to step in and help. Unfortunately, while this may seem like a cost-saving solution, it often comes at a steep price to the family caregiver’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Financial Strain

Nearly 8 in 10 family caregivers are paying out-of-pocket for care, averaging around $7,200 per year!

That’s about 26% of the average their income according to AARP.

This can lead to draining savings, increasing debt, and making tough decisions between caregiving expenses and other personal essentials like housing or retirement savings.

Employment Challenges 

Many caregivers report that caregiving affects their jobs whether it’s reducing work hours or even leaving jobs entirely to provide full-time care. This not only impacts their income but also long-term financial security.  Approximately 70% of family caregivers are employed, and about 61% report work-related difficulties due to caregiving responsibilities. These challenges include reducing work hours, changing jobs, turning down promotions, or quitting work altogether. For example, 27% have shifted from full-time to part-time work, 16% have stopped working temporarily, and 13% have changed employers to meet caregiving demands.

This significantly impacts both income and career progression (AARP 2025).

Increased Caregiving Hours 

Since professional care is so expensive, many caregivers step in to fill the gap. On average, caregivers spend 18 to 24 hours a week providing unpaid care.

The value of this unpaid labor was estimated at $600 billion nationwide in 2021.

Emotional and Health Effects

The caregiving role takes a serious toll on health and well-being. Nearly 64% of family caregivers report high emotional stress, and 45% experience high physical strain.

One in five caregivers rate their health as fair or poor, and many struggle to care for their own health needs while caregiving.

These burdens are often greater among marginalized groups, including Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ caregivers (AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving 2025). It’s a tough gig without the right support!

As in-home care costs continue to climb, it's crucial to explore alternatives, seek support, and advocate for policy changes to reduce the burden on family caregivers.

Final Thoughts

As in-home care costs continue to rise, it's more important than ever to explore alternatives, seek support, and advocate for policy changes to reduce the burden on family caregivers.

Exploring local resources and community-based programs can offer crucial support and respite. It's also essential to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of family caregivers, ensuring that long-term care becomes more accessible and sustainable for everyone.

Ultimately, by seeking out resources, embracing support, and pushing for systemic change, we can lighten the load on family caregivers and ensure that everyone can receive the care they deserve.

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