“AARP Rhode Island is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time, and get the support they need.”

 New Data Show 23% Of Adults In Rhode Island Provide Care

 
PROVIDENCE, RI, October 28, 2025 – New AARP caregiving data released today, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 23% of adults in Rhode Island — approximately 206,000 people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. The data can be found in the attached infographic.

 “When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island 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. With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP Rhode Island 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 $2.1 billion in unpaid care each year in Rhode Island, 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.

 Among Rhode Island caregivers*

· 99% assist with instrumental activities of daily living such as meal prep, administering medicines, and managing finances
· 65% assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
· 55% help with medical and nursing tasks
· 40% engage in high-intensity caregiving (more hours and higher complexity of care)
· 19% provide at least 40 hours of care per week or constant care

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 Rhode Island, an estimated 44% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
· An estimated 70% of our state’s caregivers have juggled 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 Rhode Island is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time and provide greater support:

Rhode Island’s Paid Family Leave program, Temporary Caregiving Insurance (TCI), has been improved over the past few years due to the advocacy of AARP Rhode Island and many others. Rhode Island’s TCI program now offers 8 weeks of paid leave for family caregivers and offers them 75% of their wages while providing care. These enhancements ensure that the program is accessible to all Rhode Islanders.

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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island “Guide for Caring for Older Adults in Rhode Island helps family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.

· AARP’s online Caregiving Hub has tools and information available in English and Spanish.

· AARP and United Way Worldwide’ s 211 program connects Rhode Island 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.

*Due to limited data collection in Rhode Island, the prevalence estimate was modeled using Hierarchical Logit Modeling and detailed information about Rhode Island’s caregivers cannot be presented. The Census Bureau’s designation of the New England Division includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For full methodology, see Methodology Appendix of https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-us-2025- caring-across-state.