New AARP Report: 1.4 Million Massachusetts Adults Are Caring for a Loved One

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 Massachusetts, 1.4 million family caregivers help their older parents, spouses, or other loved ones live independently at home and in their communities—where they want to be. They are the backbone of our long-term care system, spending countless hours driving to doctors’ appointments, picking up prescriptions, cooking meals, managing medications, and much more. Read Caregiving in the US 2025: Caring Across States

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 73% of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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.

AARP Massachusetts is backing legislation on Beacon Hill that would provide family caregivers with a variety of supports including an income tax credit to cover expenses incurred by a taxpayer for the care and support of a qualifying family member; respite care vouchers; unemployment insurance eligibility; address workplace discrimination; and establish a permanent commission to focus on family caregiving needs.

AARP Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Family Caregiver Resource Guide help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.  

• 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.  

• Online Events and Workshops to help in your caregiving journey. During National Family Caregiving Month, AARP Massachusetts has a number of events from the foundations of caregiving to fall prevention to the complex nature of caring for someone living with dementia. Find the events here

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.