Surge in Caregiving: Ohio Sees 47% Increase to 2.2 Million Caregivers

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.

“I am her primary caregiver as my siblings don’t live close,” said Tom Pabst of Columbus. “Currently, my wife and I have paid $15,000 for an in-home aide and have covered some of my mother’s durable medical equipment. Her situation will change, and the expenses will keep coming whether it’s adapting her home or ours, paying for medical care, and, perhaps one day, move her into a care facility.”

Across Ohio 2.2 million family caregivers, an increase of 47%, 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 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. And for the 54% of Ohio’s 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 Ohio 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:

• Ohio Family Caregiver Tax Credit will ease financial strain for working family caregivers and save vital taxpayer dollars.

AARP Ohio Is Here for You

AARP Ohio is proud to stand with our family caregivers, offering free tools and resources to help them navigate their role as a caregiver.

• Ohio Caregiving Resource Guide helps family caregivers access key programs, services and agencies right in their community.
• 211 Caregiver Support Program: Now is available in the Greater Cincinnati area and Summit and Medina counties in Ohio. AARP and United Way Worldwide’ s program connects family caregivers to essential services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline. 
• 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. 
• Celebrate Ohio Family Caregivers: Do you have a family caregiver in your life you would like to celebrate? Tell us your story for the chance to recognize them on NBC4 as an Every Day Hero.

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.