Who are the Caregivers?

Recent data for 2025–2026 highlights a significant increase in the caregiving population in California, driven largely by the state's rapidly aging demographic.

• Total Number: There are more than 7 million family caregivers in California.

• Percentage: Approximately 23% of adults in the state identify as caregivers. This means nearly 1 in 4 California adults provides unpaid care to a loved one.

• Age Range: While caregivers span all adult age groups, the demographic is concentrated in middle-aged and older adults:

  • Average Age: The average age of a caregiver in the U.S. (with similar trends in CA) is approximately 49 to 52 years old.

  • 18–49 Years Old: About 48% of caregivers fall into this younger-to-middle-age bracket.

  • 50+ Years Old: A staggering 71.8% of adults aged 50 and over in California identify as caregivers, reflecting the "sandwich generation" phenomenon where adults care for both aging parents and their own children.

  • Older Caregivers: The average age of those caring for a spouse is 62.3, and many caregivers themselves are over 75, often providing more intensive hours of care (averaging 34 hours per week).

Key Trends for 2026

• Gender: Upwards of 75% of all caregivers are female.

• Intensity: California family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care, though those living with the recipient often provide more than 40 hours of weekly support.

• Legislative Shifts: As of January 1, 2026, California has expanded the legal definition of "relative" for caregiver authorization, allowing more extended family members (like great-aunts or cousins) to manage medical and educational needs for those in their care.