Celebrating Labor Day—and the Unpaid Workers Who Make It Possible

As we celebrate Labor Day, we honor the contributions of working professionals across all fields. But today, let’s also shine a light on a workforce that rarely gets the recognition it deserves: the millions of family caregivers providing unpaid labor—often in quiet, unseen ways that keep homes and communities running.

These caregivers—spouses, adult children, friends, neighbors—perform vital, unpaid work to support elderly loved ones. In the U.S., there are now more than 63 million family caregivers, a 45% increase in just the past decade (Axios, AARP). That includes nearly 24 million people caring specifically for older adults, a figure that has jumped significantly in recent years (PRB).

Economically, the scale of this labor is staggering. An AARP study puts the annual value of unpaid family caregiving at around $600 billion—more than what families spend out-of-pocket on all health care combined. Another report from a study sponsored by Otsuka estimates even higher: $873.5 billion annually, accounting for 3.2% of the U.S. GDP.

These numbers reveal the truth: family caregiving isn't just emotional or familial—it’s essential labor that sustains households, hospitals, and healthcare systems. Yet it's nearly invisible in economic reporting and national celebration.

Why This Labor Matters—And Why It Often Goes Unnoticed

Most caregiving roles are unseen, unpaid, and unaccounted for. A staggering 37.1 million Americans are caring for elderly individuals—nearly 14% of the population over age 15—and many are part of the “sandwich generation,” juggling elder care with parenting duties (Investopedia).

Much of this care involves everyday tasks—meal preparation, medication management, doctor’s visits, grooming, companionship—and often goes unrecognized because it happens at home, without awards or pay.

The Toll of Invisible Work

While caregiving is often done out of love, it comes at a cost. Many caregivers report lost income, missed career opportunities, and reduced retirement savings. One analysis by the U.S. Department of Labor found that motherhood-caregiving roles can cost a lifetime earnings loss of about 15%, averaging $295,000.

Beyond the financial strain, caregivers face emotional and physical stress—and many report social isolation, burnout, and declining health. Nearly one in four caregivers feel cut off from their community, especially among women, the LGBTQ+ community, and those who feel they had no choice in their role, according to a study by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

Why Labor Day Should Include Caregivers

This Labor Day, let’s expand our definition of work to include care done with no paycheck or official recognition. Let’s honor those who labor tirelessly—mostly behind closed doors—to keep families comfortable, healthy, and connected.

If you're a caregiver, know that your work matters. If you're not, consider the value your loved ones provide and how rare it is to find someone who will do so much, just out of love.

You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

If you're traveling the elder care journey—or know someone who is—you don’t have to face it unprepared. Kimbrough Law offers comprehensive guidance throughout the elder care journey. For personalized support navigating elder care challenges, call 706.850.6910 to schedule a confidential family consultation.

This Labor Day, let’s take a moment to recognize not just paid laborers, but also those whose unpaid caring work turns houses into homes.