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

New Data Show 24% Of Adults in Ohio 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 Ohio — approximately 2.2 million people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses and other loved ones. “To put this in perspective, there are more family caregivers in Ohio today, than the combined population of Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati,” said Jenny Carlson, AARP State Director. The Ohio data can be found in the report, Caregiving in the US 2025: Ohio. ( https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/cgus-2025-caring-across-states/caregiving-in-the-us-2025-ohio.doi.10.26419-2fppi.00383.023.pdf. )

“Caregiving is no longer a side issue—it’s central to how we build strong, age-friendly communities,” said Carlson. “When 41% of Ohio’s caregivers are facing financial setbacks just for doing what families do—stepping up to care—we have to respond. This new data is a wake-up call. It’s time for Ohio to match the growing demands of caregiving with meaningful support, smart policy, and respect for the people holding it all together. With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP Ohio is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”

Family caregivers provide $21 billion in unpaid care each year in Ohio 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 Ohio 41% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• More than half (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.

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

AARP Ohio is advocating for a state-level Family Caregiver Tax Credit to ease the financial burden on those caring for loved ones. Companion bills (HB 279, SB 205) introduced by Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) and Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) would offer a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $2,000 to help cover expenses such as home modifications, respite care, and assistive technology. This legislation responds to a growing need—4 in ten family caregivers in Ohio report experiencing at least one negative financial impact due to their caregiving responsibilities, including stopping saving, depleting savings, or borrowing money from family and friends.

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 (H.R. 2036), which would expand flexible spending and health savings account uses. U.S. Rep. Mike Carey, who represents Ohio’s fifteenth district, is a primary sponsor of the bipartisan legislation.

This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Ohio 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.

You can learn more about AARP Ohio's 2025-26 State Legislative Agenda to support family caregivers on our website.