AARP Eye Center
News To Know: The Cost Of Caregiving
By Dave Goldstein, November 20, 2008 10:21 AM
The cost of unpaid caregiving in the country was $375 billion last year according to a new AARP study. This was more than the government's expenditure for Medicaid and a $25 billion increase from 2006. With 34 million Americans providing unpaid care to family and friends for an average of 21 hours per week, it is easy to see how caregiving has such an enormous cost. Aside from monetary value, caregiving places a huge strain on caregivers who often have to take time off of work and face additional stresses. Tell us your caregiving stories in the comments.