Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Releases New Data Detailing Caregiving Prevalence in New Hampshire

New Data Show 24% Of Adults In New Hampshire Provide Care, Spotlighting Urgent Need for Action to Support Family Caregivers 

New AARP caregiving data released today, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 24% of adults in New Hampshire — approximately 281,000 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 Christina FitzPatrick, AARP New Hampshire 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. AARP New Hampshire urges policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.” 

Family caregivers provide $2.8 billion in unpaid care each year in New Hampshire, 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 New England, 44% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• 70% of our region’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 New Hampshire is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time and provide greater support. Over the past few years, the Grante State has made real progress, establishing a system of care for healthy aging, increasing funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and increasing funding for respite care.

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 New Hampshire 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 and United Way Worldwide’ s 211 program connects family caregivers to essential local services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline.
• 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.
• Join AARP New Hampshire for our free, online Caregivers Compass Series in November.
• If you are a family caregiver and have questions about how to protect your loved one from fraud, just click here.