{
  "id": 17043334,
  "title": "Caregivers spend thousands of dollars of their own money on average, up 60% from 2021's out-of-pocket costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/caregivers-spend-thousands-of-dollars-of-their-own-money-on-average",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-29T09:15:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/caregiving-out-of-pocket-costs-expenses-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new AARP report reveals that caregivers are spending considerably more out-of-pocket money than in 2021, with average costs rising by nearly 60%. Household and housing expenses make up 42% of the average out-of-pocket caregiving costs. Caregivers are increasingly taking on additional jobs or working longer hours to cover these expenses. Over 2,500 adults participated in a study conducted in June and July, providing insights into the financial strain of caregiving. The costs associated with caring for an older loved one can be overwhelming, with some families facing five-figure bills annually. AARP found that caregivers spend $11,508 out of pocket this year, up from $7,242 five years ago. The increase in costs may be attributed to more intensive or complex care needs, as well as the resumption of services following the pandemic. Household expenses like food and housing accounted for 42% of caregiving expenses, while medical expenses accounted for 29%. For medical expenses, 37% comes from copays, coinsurance, insurance premiums, and direct payments to providers, followed by 19% for nursing home costs. The financial toll of caregiving is particularly severe for those caring for loved ones with dementia, with average out-of-pocket costs increasing by $5,600 compared to caregivers for non-dementia patients. One caregiver shared her struggles with transitioning from a well-paying job to providing care for her husband after a major stroke, highlighting the immense financial burden and personal toll of the experience.",
  "summary": "A new AARP report showed a nearly 60% rise in the amount caregivers spend out of pocket since 2021.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}