AARP Texas Recognizes November as 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 Texas, approximately 5.3 million 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 $41 bilion in paid care each year, serving as the backbone of our long-term care system, spending countless hours driving loved ones to medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, cooking meals, managing medications, and performing countless other heartfelt tasks.

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 many Texas caregivers who are also working, many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities.

While caregivers do so much for their loved ones and communities, they're often overlooked. That's why this month, AARP Texas — and all of AARP — is shining a spotlight on family caregivers and calling on political leaders to pass commonsense and meaningful solutions that will save them money, time, and provide them with more support.

At AARP, we often hear from family caregivers about the financial struggles they face. That's why we support passage of a caregiver tax credit at the national level through the Credit for Caring Act, which would provide working caregivers with an up to $5,000 tax credit, and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand flexible spending and health savings account uses.

This year's National Family Caregivers Month arises as new AARP caregiving data in the Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States report finds that 23 percent of adults in Texas — approximately 5.3 million people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care.

The Texas data can be found here.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Lisa A. Rodriguez, AARP Texas 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, AARP Texas is urging policymakers to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”

This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Texas also 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.
  
• Family Caregiver Resources for Texans is a guide with the caregiver in mind and helps one find the services and support they might need throughout their caregiving journey.
  
• AARP’s online Caregiving Hub offers tools and information available in English and Spanish.

This year, several local and state officials throughout Texas have officially proclaimed this month Family Caregivers Month. This joins the national observance to honor the millions of Texans who provide essential care to loved ones.

In a state proclamation, Gov. Greg Abbott has encouraged all Texans to observe Family Caregivers Month with appropriate programs and activities. Resolutions and proclamations are being presented in participation with AARP at the City of Austin, City of Fort Worth, Harris County, City of San Antonio, and the City of El Paso.

Click the play button below to hear the recording of a Nov. 6, 2025 AARP Texas Telephone Townhall that presented information about family caregiving and caregiver resources in Houston and elsewhere.

Among the participants on the call are: Bob Stephen, vice president of AARP's Health Security Program, Andrea William of CarePartners, and Jorge Olvera, director of community engagement at the Alzheimer's Association, Houston & Southeast Texas. The call is led by Jennifer Wandrey and Liliana Mireles, both of AARP Texas.