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

New Data Show 28% Of Adults In Utah Provide Care, Spotlighting Urgent Need for Action to Support Family Caregivers

 SALT LAKE CITY — New AARP caregiving data released today, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 28% of adults in Utah — approximately 697,000 people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Alan Ormsby, AARP Utah 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 Utah 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 $5.5 billion in unpaid care each year in Utah, 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 Utah, 36% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• 63% of Utah’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 Utah is always advocating for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time. 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.

 To access free caregiver tools and local resource guides, visit:

• AARP Utah’s local resource guide
• 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.

Click HERE to read the full report on Caregiving in Utah.