November Is National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a chance to recognize the contributions, commitment, and sacrifices made by America’s 63 million family caregivers every single day.

Across Louisiana, 973,000 caregivers help their older parents, spouses, or other loved ones live independently at home and in their communities—where they want to be. Family caregivers in our state provide $590 million in unpaid care each year. They are the backbone of our long-term care system, spending countless hours driving to doctor’s appointments, picking up prescriptions, cooking meals, managing medications, and much more.

Most family caregivers don’t get paid for helping their loved ones, but they still spend plenty out of their own pockets—and it’s not cheap. On average, caregivers spend more than $7,200 a year, roughly a quarter of their income. Many end up dipping into savings, taking on debt, or cutting back on essentials like food and medication. And for the 630,000 of Louisiana caregivers who are also working, many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities.

But here’s the thing: while family caregivers do so much for their loved ones, they’re too often overlooked by society and lawmakers as they hold up a broken system. That’s why this month, and every month, AARP Louisiana is shining a spotlight on family caregivers and calling on lawmakers to pass commonsense solutions that will save them money, time, and provide them with more support.

Among the priorities we’re championing:
The population of older adults and persons with physical disabilities will increase exponentially over the next decade. Providing funding to enable Louisianans to access HCBS options continues to be a top priority for AARP Louisiana. The state will continue to advocate for expanding Community Choices Waiver slots and implementing policies like presumptive eligibility, that provide quicker access to HCBS services.

AARP Louisiana is Here for You
AARP Louisiana is proud to stand with our family caregivers, offering free tools and resources to help them navigate their role as a caregiver.

Caregiving Resource Guides: AARP’s Louisiana Family Caregiver Resource Guide help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.

211 Caregiver Support Program: Now available in 25 states and Puerto Rico, including Louisiana, AARP and United Way Worldwide’ s program connects family caregivers to essential services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline. 

AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group on Facebook: 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. 

We can’t do this work alone. Your voice is needed to show lawmakers that family caregivers are a powerful constituency. Raise your hand and join the fight at aarp.org/iamacaregiver. 

Louisiana specific caregiving data