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

New Data Show 23.82% of Adults In Montana Provide Care, Spotlighting Urgent Need for Action to Support Family Caregivers

Helena, Mont., Oct. 28, 2025 — New AARP caregiving data released today, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 23.82% of adults in Montana — approximately 214,000 people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. The data can be found here: states.aarp.org/montana/caregiving.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana 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 2027 legislative session, AARP Montana is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.” 

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Family caregivers provide $1.76 billion in unpaid care each year in Montana, 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 Montana, 47% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• 54% 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.

During the interim AARP Montana is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time and provide greater support:

• Updating Montana’s long-term care system policies and funding structures to better reflect the realities and needs of a rapidly aging state.
• Helping family caregivers to manage their loved one’s personal or financial decisions by improving Montana’s adult guardianship and conservatorship laws.

The interim period before the 2027 session of the Montana Legislature includes various committees that meet to discuss and prepare legislative matters. These interim committees play a crucial role in shaping policies and addressing issues before the next regular session begins.

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 Montana 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. Visit: aarp.org/iamacaregiver.

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

• AARP Montana Family Caregiver Resource Guides to help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community: aarp.org/MTCaregiving
• Montana resources for veterans and their caregivers: aarp.org/MTVets
• AARP’s online Caregiving Hub with tools and information available in English and Spanish: aarp.org/Caregiving.
• AARP and United Way Worldwide’ s 211 program connects family caregivers to essential local services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline: www.Montana211.org.
• 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.

Share your caregiving story!

We want to hear from you! Tell us your caregiving story through an easy to use video/audio website. There's nothing to download or install and you can share your story and make your voice heard. Here are a few starter questions to guide you short caregiving video:

• Introduce Yourself: Tell us your first name and what town or city you’re from.
• Your Caregiving Role: Who do you care for (e.g., a parent, spouse, child, friend), and how long have you been a caregiver?
• A Memorable Moment: Share a special or meaningful moment from your caregiving journey.
• What Keeps You Going: What inspires you or gives you strength as a caregiver?
• A Piece of Advice: What’s one thing you’ve learned as a caregiver that you’d share with others?
• Top challenge: What is the number one challenge you face as a caregiver?

Feel free to pick 2-3 questions to answer briefly to keep the video under 2 minutes. You don’t need to answer all of them – these are just prompts to spark ideas!

Record your video HERE.