2011–12 Unpaid Eldercare in the United States – Data from the American Time Use Survey — 2013-09-18

Sixteen percent of the U.S. civilian noninstitutional population age 15 and over (39.6 million people) provide unpaid eldercare, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nearly one-fourth of eldercare providers engage in unpaid eldercare on a given day, spending an average of 3.2 hours providing this care. These estimates are averages for the 2-year period of 2011-12; combining the 2 years of data facilitates a more in-depth analysis of eldercare. Eldercare providers are defined as individuals who provide unpaid care to someone age 65 or older who needs help because of a condition related to aging. This care can be provided to household or nonhousehold members, as well as persons living in retirement homes or assisted care facilities. Eldercare can involve a range of care activities, such as assisting with grooming, preparing meals, and providing transportation.