The biggest caregiving trends every employer should be watching

• Key Insight: Discover how rising caregiver numbers are reshaping employee benefits strategy.
• What's at Stake: Increased caregiving burdens risk productivity, retention, and rising employer healthcare expenditures.
• Supporting Data: 77% of caregivers report financial overwhelm; one in four spends over $500 monthly.
  Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

The number of caregivers in the U.S. has surged over the last decade, driven largely by an aging population as baby boomers live longer and require more support.

Today, nearly one in four adults serves as a caregiver, and many are balancing those responsibilities alongside full-time jobs, according to the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. For millions of workers, managing both roles can be overwhelming, underscoring the growing need for workplace benefits that provide financial assistance, emotional support, and greater flexibility.

"Without the right support, it's nearly impossible to maintain that balance," said Meghan Shea, vice president and head of distribution at New York Life Group Benefit Solutions. "Employers who recognize caregiving as a workforce issue, not just a personal one, can make a meaningful difference by supporting employees in their personal lives so they can thrive professionally."

Here are some of the latest trends shaping caregiving in America and what they mean for employers and employees alike.

Financial strain

The cost of caring for America's aging population is taking a significant toll on caregivers. According to a recent survey by medical supplier Aeroflow Urology, 77% of caregivers say they have been financially overwhelmed, while 76% report that their mental health has suffered since taking on caregiving responsibilities while also managing their careers. 

Forty-two percent of caregiving households earn less than $75,000, yet they face significant monthly out-of-pocket costs. One out of four caregivers spends more than $500 a month on caregiving supplies, and more than half (57%) report their loved one has suffered from a more severe complication due to not having enough resources or assistance.

Read more: How employers can support mentally, financially strained caregiver staff

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Supporting sandwich caregivers

There are around 16 million sandwich caregivers in the U.S. — those looking after both aging parents and a child under 18. During the summer, when school is out, that balancing act often becomes even more challenging as childcare needs increase while caregiving responsibilities remain unchanged.

Employers can help ease that burden by raising awareness of year-round benefits such as paid time off, flexible schedules, and care-coordination resources, said Dan Drennen, senior vice president of in-home care service company Visiting Angels.

Read more: How to support sandwich caregivers over the summer

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A hidden burden

Even as caregiving becomes more common among workers, few feel comfortable discussing those responsibilities with their HR managers, according to a recent survey.

Data from leave management platform Sparrow suggests a persistent workplace stigma around caregiving, particularly when it comes to taking time off. Just 8% of employees said they feel comfortable talking to HR about their caregiving responsibilities, while the remaining 92% either turn to co-workers for support or don't discuss the issue at all, the survey found.

Read more: Most US workers hide caregiving duties from HR

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