Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Colorado Releases State-Level Data Detailing Caregiving Prevalence in Colorado

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New AARP caregiving data released today, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 22% of adults in Colorado — approximately 1,032,000 people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. The data can be found here.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Sara Schueneman, AARP Colorado State Director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, often putting their finances, health and jobs at risk. As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow. With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP Colorado is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”

Family caregivers provide more than $11 billion in unpaid care each year in Colorado, helping family members live independently at home and in their communities—where they want to be. Their caregiving responsibilities range from bathing and meal prep to managing medications, arranging transportation and handling medical tasks, with little or no training.

But the toll on our family caregivers is great— financially, physically, and emotionally.

· 80% of caregivers pay out of their own pockets to help meet their loved ones’ needs, averaging $7,200 each year, or 25% of their income.
· In Colorado, 47% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
· 70% of our state’s caregivers are also juggling full- or part-time jobs. Many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities, jeopardizing their own long-term financial security.

AARP Colorado is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time and provide greater support. Supporting the state’s caregivers through outreach and advocacy at the statehouse is one of three major priority areas at AARP Colorado.

And at the federal level, AARP is working to save caregivers money through the Credit for Caring Act, a proposed federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for working caregivers, and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand flexible spending and health savings account uses.

This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Colorado encourages everyone to show support for caregivers and to join the growing movement of Americans raising their voices for change. Join AARP’s I Am A Caregiver movement and tell lawmakers it’s time to support those who care.

To access free caregiver tools and local resource guides, visit:

· AARP’s state-by-state Family Caregiver Resource Guides to help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.
· AARP’s online Caregiving Hub with tools and information available in English and Spanish.
· AARP’s official caregiving Facebook group serves as a place for family caregivers nationwide to connect, share practical tips, offer support, and discuss their shared experiences.

This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Colorado is hosting a dozen events in communities across the state and online in support of caregivers. Events include screenings of a caregiving documentary featuring filmmakers Seth and Lauren Miller Rogen, local discounts, and more.