Hoosier Caregivers Contribute $16.1 Billion in Unpaid Labor

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A new report from AARP has found that the 1.11 million Hoosiers who act as unpaid caregivers for their parents, spouses, and other adult loved ones contribute an estimated $16.1 billion in unpaid labor each year. The report highlights the significant economic value of the care provided by these family members and friends, as well as the need for greater support and resources for Indiana's caregiver population.

Why it matters

Unpaid caregiving plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Indiana's aging population, but it also comes at a significant personal cost to the caregivers themselves. This report underscores the immense economic value of this unpaid labor and the need for policymakers, employers, and communities to provide more resources and assistance to family caregivers.

The details

The AARP report calculated the economic value of unpaid caregiving in Indiana by estimating the number of caregivers, the average number of hours they provide care each year, and the estimated hourly wage for the types of care they provide. The report found that Indiana's 1.11 million caregivers provide an average of 21 hours of care per week, equating to over $16 billion in unpaid labor annually.

• The AARP report was published on April 4, 2026.