Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Releases New Data Highlighting Caregiving in Washington State

For Immediate Release
October 28, 2025

Contact: Jason Erskine / 206-517-9345

Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Releases New Data Highlighting Caregiving in Washington State
22% of Adults in Washington Provide Care – Underscoring Urgent Need for Support

Seattle, WA - As National Family Caregivers Month approaches, AARP has released new state-level data from its report Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, revealing that 22% of adults in Washington—approximately 1.3 million people—are family caregivers. These individuals provide largely unpaid and unsupported care to aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones, helping them live independently at home and in their communities – where they want to be.

Family caregivers perform a wide range of tasks—from bathing and meal preparation to managing medications, coordinating transportation, and handling complex medical responsibilities—often with little or no formal training. “When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, putting their finances, health and jobs at risk.”

AARP’s report shows that more than half (55%) of Washington caregivers are juggling full or part-time jobs. Many must reduce work hours or leave their jobs entirely due to caregiving responsibilities, jeopardizing their own long-term financial security.

Nearly half of family caregivers (49%) in Washington report financial setbacks. Thirty-seven percent report that they have stopped saving, 28% left bills unpaid or paid late, and 27% used up their personal short-term savings due to their caregiving responsibilities.

Caregiving also takes a physical and emotional toll on those providing care. According to AARP’s report:

• Over one in three caregivers (35%) experience high emotional stress while caregiving.
• Nearly two in ten (18%) feel alone while caregiving.
• Nearly two in ten family caregivers (17%) in Washington experience seven or more days a month of poor physical health.
• One in six (16%) have difficulty taking care of their own health while they focus on their care recipient’s needs.

“As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow,” Ro added. “With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP Washington is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”

AARP is championing a number of priorities, including:

• Protecting and strengthening family caregiver support programs, and the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) that help older adults age at home and in their communities.
• Fully funding the partners that hold long-term care institutions accountable in the care of older adults, including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Office of Public Guardianship.
• Washington State recently established a standard of care that facilities must follow to be certified for memory care services. This includes having adequate staffing levels, with staff available 24 hours a day, and implementing policies to address wandering and behavioral challenges. The legislation aims to enhance the safety, well-being, and quality of life of residents with dementia, ensuring they receive high-quality, specialized care in certified facilities.
• 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 help support Washington’s family caregivers, AARP is offering the following:

• The Washington “Caring for Caregivers” resource page: Visit www.aarp.org/caregiverswa for tips, tools and resources for caregivers and their families. You’ll find links to local events and opportunities, our monthly podcast series, stories from caregivers just like you, and more.
  
• Caregiving Resource Guide: AARP’s Washington State Family Caregiver Resource Guide helps family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.  
  
• 211 Caregiver Support Program: AARP and United Way Worldwide’s program connects family caregivers to essential services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline.  Find more at aarp.org/caregiving/211-help/ 
  
• 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.  

This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Washington 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. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/caregiverswa

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