Family caregivers in Washington, DC provide an estimated $1.64 billion worth of unpaid care each year, according to a new report from AARP that highlights the central role caregivers play in the District’s long-term care system.
The report, Valuing the Invaluable 2026, finds that approximately 89,000 District residents provide care for adults—often older parents, spouses, neighbors, or other loved ones—contributing a total of 66 million hours of care annually. If this work were compensated at market rates, it would be valued at $24.75 per hour.
Much of this caregiving allows older adults to remain in their homes and communities, reducing the need for expensive institutional care. Without family caregivers, more District residents would likely rely on nursing homes or other facilities, leading to significantly higher costs for public programs and taxpayers.
“Family caregivers are a major economic force that fill critical gaps in our health care system,” said Louis Davis Jr., AARP DC State Director. While their contributions now exceed $1.64 billion each year, he noted that caregivers often face serious challenges related to their own health, finances, and overall well-being.
The report shows that caregiving has become increasingly demanding as chronic illnesses rise and more medical care shifts into home settings. On average, family caregivers spend 27 hours per week providing care. More than half—57 percent—provide what the report classifies as high-intensity care, which includes hands-on assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, as well as more complex medical tasks like wound care and administering injections.
The findings in the District reflect broader national trends. Across the United States, an estimated 59 million adults provide care to other adults, delivering nearly 49.5 billion hours of care each year. Nationally, the economic value of family caregiving is estimated at $1.01 trillion annually—a figure that exceeds total Medicaid spending and nearly doubles all out-of-pocket health care spending.
In response to these challenges, AARP DC has focused its advocacy efforts on policies aimed at supporting caregivers, including protecting paid family leave, securing funding for respite services and memory care programs, and advancing the proposed Credit for Caring Act, which would provide tax relief to family caregivers.
AARP also offers resources to help caregivers navigate the complex landscape of services and support available in the District, connecting families with programs designed to ease the financial and emotional strain of caregiving. To find out more, visit www.aarp.org/caregiving.