Caregiving

Family caregivers are the backbone of Maryland’s care system, providing more than 1 billion hours of support to loved ones of all ages. The economic contributions of caregivers are significant, yet they often experience emotional, physical, and financial hardship as a result of the important work they do. The direct care workforce is an essential resource for many Marylanders who need help, but low wages and limited career opportunities result in high turnover rates and gaps in training. As we invest in resources and policies that support caregivers of all kinds, we create opportunities for older Marylanders to age in place, avoiding the higher cost of nursing homes or institutional care, and improving the health of Marylanders across the lifespan.

Family Caregivers in Maryland

The Prevelance of Caregivers

Nearly 1 in 4 adults provide care for a loved one.

Caregiving and Older Adults

The average age of the person they care for is 67 years old.

Other Employment

64% work other jobs in addition to their caregiving responsibilities.

Time Commitment

29% provide care at least 40 hours a week or more.

Duration of Care

44% have provided care for three years or longer.

Financial Strain

38% experience financial hardship due to caregiving responsibilities.

Complex Needs

62% provide medical care or nursing tasks.

Direct Care Workers in Maryland

Hourly Rate

The average care worker earns less that $20 per hour.

Wage Growth

Between 2014 to 2024, wages for direct care workers grew by 14%. Inflation grew by over 20% during the same time period.

Public Assistance

43% of care workers rely on public assistance to make ends meet.

Affordable Housing

39% of care workers lack affordable housing.

Projected Growth

Between 2022 to 2032, there is expected to be a 15% growth in the direct care workforce.

Families

35% are parents to children under 18 years old.

Cost of Care in Maryland