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 North Dakota, 140,091 family 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 $1 billion 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.

• In North Dakota, 46% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• Approximately 62% 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.

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 North Dakota 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:

AARP North Dakota is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time and provide greater support:

• In the 2025 ND Legislative Session, AARP supported, and the legislature passed, $1 million for remodeling and rehabbing homes to make them more age-friendly and accessible -- allowing individuals to stay independent longer and making caring easier.
• AARP ND also fought for funding, support and services that ease the burden of caregiving. This includes things like OT/PT assessments that identify home modifications, allowing people to age at home.
• In previous sessions, AARP North Dakota has secured enhanced funding for home and community-based services, greater support for respite care programs to support family caregivers, and caregiver training and education to ensure that they have the skills to support their loved ones at home.

AARP North Dakota Is Here for You
AARP North Dakota 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 North Dakota Family Caregiver Resource Guide helps 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.  

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. 

Learn more about North Dakota caregivers here.