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.

Across Vermont, thousands of 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 $1.23 million in unpaid care each year. They are the backbone of our long-term care system, spending countless hours driving to doctors’ 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 Vermont 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 Vermont 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:

· AARP Vermont is advocating for a tax credit to provide financial relief to caregivers, offering essential support to Vermonters for out-of-pocket expenses paid by unpaid family caregivers for a specific range of services.

We often hear from family caregivers about the financial struggles they face while ensuring their parents, spouses, and loved ones can stay safe, independent, and out of costly nursing homes. Tackling these challenges requires advocacy at both the state and federal levels. Supporting a caregiver tax credit at the state level not only aligns with but also enhances our efforts to secure a caregiver tax credit at the national level through the Credit for Caring Act.

Instead of being separate efforts, these initiatives strengthen each other. Advocacy at the state level creates essential momentum, showing policymakers the importance of caregiving support and laying a foundation that can influence Members of Congress. The excellent work being done in statehouses is a crucial part of our collective strategy to provide meaningful financial relief to family caregivers. Together, we can increase our impact and ensure caregivers get the assistance they need.

AARP Vermont Is Here for You

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

• Caregiving Resource Guides: AARP’s Vermont Family Caregiver Resource Guide help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.  

• 211 Caregiver Support Program: Now available in 25 states and Puerto Rico, including Vermont, 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.  

• AARP Vermont Events for Caregivers: Visit our landing page that lists all caregiver-focused events https://events.aarp.org/aarpvtcaregiving
  

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.