The report finds that over one million family caregivers of Wisconsin adults contribute 560 million hours of care each year
MADISON, WI – Wisconsin’s one million-plus family caregivers now provide $11.1 billion worth of labor each year, according to a new AARP report. Most of this work is unpaid, yet it forms the backbone of the state’s long-term care system that is essential to helping thousands of older adults live independently at home.
Why this matters: Without family caregivers, many more Wisconsinites would rely on expensive institutional care, driving significantly higher costs for taxpayers and public programs.
“Family caregivers are an economic force who fill critical gaps in our health care system,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Raj Shukla. “Their work is worth more than $11 billion annually, and comes at huge cost to caregivers’ health, financial security, and well-being. AARP is proud to fight to save family caregivers time and money.”
The report, titled “Valuing the Invaluable 2026,” shows that 1,030,000 Wisconsinites are caregivers of adults, providing care for older parents, spouses, neighbors, and other loved ones, contributing 560 million hours of care annually. Their work would be valued at $11.1 billion per year if paid in the marketplace, based on a value of $19.75 per hour. Across states, the estimated value of caregiving ranges from $14.12 per hour in Louisiana to $27.05 per hour in Washington, reflecting regional differences in wages and the cost of care.
“Unpaid family caregivers are Wisconsin’s unsung heroes. Without their selfless dedication to loved ones, our long-term care system would implode,” Shukla said. “AARP urges state and federal lawmakers to provide more support for these heroes. We hope this report shines a bright light on the incredible work caregivers are already doing.”
National Findings:
–59 million Americans are caregivers of adults, providing care for older parents, spouses, neighbors, and other loved ones, contributing 49.5 billion hours of care annually, work that would be valued at $1.01 trillion per year if paid in the marketplace, based on a value of $20.41 per hour.
-The 49.5 billion hours of care provided each year is the equivalent of nearly 24 million full-time workers, roughly 17% of the entire U.S. full-time workforce.
–The value of family caregiving exceeds total federal, state, and local Medicaid spending nationwide, and almost doubles all out-of-pocket health care spending.
Caregiving has become more demanding and complex as chronic illnesses rise and more care shifts into homes.
AARP continues federal and state advocacy to save caregivers money and time while getting them the support they deserve. AARP also helps families navigate caregiving challenges by connecting them to trusted resources in every state. AARP’s state-by-state Family Caregiver Resource Guides help family caregivers access key programs, services and agencies right in their community.
Additionally, through its partnership with United Way Worldwide, caregivers can access local support services in 28 states by calling 211, including help finding in-home care, respite care, transportation, and other essential services. To find out more, visit www.aarp.org/caregiving.
