It Takes More Than Love to Care for a Loved One - New report details heavier burdens and fewer supports for WA family caregivers

By Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a chance to recognize the contributions, commitment, and sacrifices made by millions of family caregivers every single day.

Across Washington state, more than 1.3 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. They are the backbone of our long-term care system, spending countless hours driving to doctor’s 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. A new survey from AARP revealed that nearly half of family caregivers in Washington state (49%) 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.

In addition to the financial impact, caregiving also takes a physical and emotional toll on those providing care. According to AARP’s report, one in four (25%) report fair or poor health, and sixteen percent (16%) say they have difficulty caring for themselves. Over one in three caregivers (35%) experience high emotional stress while caregiving and one in three caregivers (33%) would like help or information on how to manage the emotional and physical stress of caregiving.

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 Washington is shining a spotlight on family caregivers and calling on lawmakers to pass common sense solutions that will save them money, time, and provide them with more support.

Among the priorities we’re championing:

• Protecting and strengthening family caregiver support programs and the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), like Health Homes, 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 AARP-supported 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.
  
• Supporting the launch of the WA Cares program in July 2026 - a first-of-its-kind long-term care benefit designed to help Washingtonians meet future care needs and ease the burden on family caregivers.
  
• 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.

We can’t do this work alone. Your voice is needed to show lawmakers that family caregivers are a powerful constituency. 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 aarp.org/caregiverswa

AARP Washington Is Here for You

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

• The Washington “Caring for Caregivers” resource page: Visit 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. Visit states.aarp.org/washington/caregiver-resources/  
  
• 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.  Find more at facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers