AARP Oklahoma Releases State-Level Data Detailing Caregiving Prevalence in Oklahoma

New data released by AARP reveals that 27 percent of adults in Oklahoma, approximately 835,000 people, are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. This growing group of caregivers plays a critical role in the health and well-being of Oklahomans, yet many face emotional, financial and physical challenges without adequate support. “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States” highlights the urgent need for policies and programs that support caregivers’ financial, emotional and workplace challenges.

 “When a loved one needs help, family members, friends and neighbors step up. It’s what we do,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl. “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.”

According to the “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States” report, Oklahoma family caregivers provide $6.6 billion in unpaid care each year, helping family members live independently at home and in their communities where they want to be.

· 25 percent of caregivers are sandwich generation caregivers who care for an adult while also caring for a child under 18.

· 36 percent of caregivers spend at least 40 hours a week providing care or provide constant care.

Caregiving responsibilities range from bathing and meal preparation, to managing medications, arranging transportation, and handling medical tasks, with little or no training.

Other key data points from the new research:

· 77 percent of family caregivers take care of grocery shopping and other errands.

· 77 percent also handle household cleaning tasks such as dishes, laundry, and general upkeep.

· 74 percent assist with transportation, either by driving care recipients or arranging rides.

· 66 percent prepare meals to ensure loved ones are well-fed and cared for.

· 55 percent manage financial responsibilities, including paying bills and handling insurance matters.

The new data also reveals that Oklahoma family caregivers face significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges in their caregiving roles:

· 80 percent of caregivers pay out of their own pockets to help meet their loved ones’ needs, averaging $7,200 each year, or 25 percent of their income.

· 47 percent of family caregivers report financial setbacks, taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.

· 53 percent 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.

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In addition, AARP Oklahoma continues to fight for commonsense solutions that save caregivers money, time and provide greater support. Oklahoma’s Caring for Caregivers Act, the nation’s first expansive tax credit for family caregivers, was passed during the 2023 legislative session and took effect Jan. 1, 2024. The Caring for Caregivers tax credit is available for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by an unpaid family caregiver for a limited set of services. The expenses must be directly related to assisting the family caregiver in providing care to an eligible family member. An easy-to-use Caring for Caregivers Eligibility Tool walks family caregivers through five questions to determine if they qualify for the tax credit. To learn more, visit aarp.org/okcaregivertaxcredit.