The costs of caring for someone with dementia do not always arrive as one large bill. They can appear as groceries, prescription copays, supplies, travel, or paid help so a family member can take a break.
A new AARP report, released October 28, puts numbers behind that pressure. It reports average annual out-of-pocket spending of $15,846 among caregivers supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, compared with $10,221 among those caring for someone without dementia. AARP presents these figures as survey estimates. Each family’s actual spending can be very different. 1
For caregivers looking at a stretched budget, the useful message is not “you should be spending this much.” It is that care-related expenses deserve to be recognized, discussed and included in plans for support.
What the dementia caregiver costs study found
AARP’s 2026 Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Costs Study analyzed 2,538 caregivers age 18 or older supporting an adult relative or friend. Participants completed surveys and recorded expenses during research conducted in June and July 2026. The results were weighted to better reflect the population. (report, survey methods, cost methods)
The dementia comparison appears on page 28 of the report:
| Caregiver group, based on the caregiver’s response | Number in the final sample | AARP’s estimated average annual out-of-pocket spending |
|---|---|---|
| Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia | 581 | $15,846 |
| Caring for someone without dementia | 1,957 | $10,221 |
Source: AARP, 2026 Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Costs Study, page 28. These are descriptive group averages, not individual forecasts. The comparison does not establish that dementia alone caused the spending difference. 1
Across all caregivers, including those supporting someone without dementia, household and housing expenses accounted for 42% of spending, while medical expenses accounted for 29%. That helps explain why looking only at medical bills can miss much of a family’s care-related spending. 1
How to interpret these numbers
“Out of pocket” here concerns money caregivers spend themselves. It is not the total cost of someone’s care, a quote for a nursing home, or a dollar value for all the time relatives contribute.
The study also does not say every dementia caregiver spends $15,846. An average can conceal large differences between families. The amount of help needed, living arrangements and available resources can all differ.
This was survey research, not an experiment. Dementia status was reported by caregivers; the comparison was not based on an independent diagnostic assessment for this study. The report’s dementia spending chart does not provide confidence intervals showing how precise each dollar estimate is. Like other surveys, the results can be affected by who participates and how accurately people report information. (report, survey methods, cost methods)
The figures are therefore useful for understanding financial pressure. They should not be used to predict your own bills or explain why one group spent more.
A manageable first step: make the costs visible
You do not need a perfect spreadsheet to begin. A short list can make the next family conversation more specific. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends considering current and future care costs, organizing financial documents and discussing resources with family members. 4
Try this simple checklist:
- List recurring costs. Include supplies, medicines, paid assistance and other expenses your household covers.
- Separate occasional expenses. Home safety changes or equipment purchases can otherwise disappear into an ordinary monthly budget.
- Note who currently pays. That makes it easier to discuss sharing responsibilities without assuming everyone sees the same costs.
- Identify one question to resolve. For example: “Who can help us check our existing coverage?” or “What local support might reduce the pressure?”
Checklist adapted from the Alzheimer’s Association’s care-cost planning guidance; it is a conversation starter, not an individualized financial plan. 4
Where to look for support
The federal Eldercare Locator connects older adults and families with services in their community. Searching by location can be a starting point for finding local assistance. Ask about eligibility, availability and any charges before relying on a service. 5
The Alzheimer’s Association also recommends reviewing benefits and existing insurance and considering qualified financial or legal guidance. Availability and eligibility vary; this report does not create a new benefit or guarantee reimbursement. 4
Our guide to respite care for dementia caregivers explains options for taking a supported break. You can also explore our Care & Support resources.
A budget conversation cannot remove the wider cost of caregiving. But recognizing what you are carrying and asking for specific help is a worthwhile place to start.
This article provides general education, not personalized financial, legal or medical advice.
Sources
- AARP. 2026 AARP Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Costs Study. October 2026; especially pages 11, 28, 39 and 41–42. Full report.
- AARP / Ipsos. 2026 AARP Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Costs Study: Methodology Report. Survey methods and questionnaire.
- AARP. Detailed Methodology and Cost Calculations. Cost-methods supplement.
- Alzheimer’s Association. Planning for Care Costs.
- Administration for Community Living. Eldercare Locator.
