Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Wyoming Releases State-Level Data Detailing Caregiving Prevalence

New AARP caregiving data released today, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 23% of adults in Wyoming — approximately 106,000 people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. The data can be found here.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Sam Shumway, AARP Wyoming 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 Wyoming is urging policymakers at every level to help our older adults age in-place, caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”

Family caregivers provide $54,000,000 in unpaid care each year in Wyoming, 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. Two-thirds of family caregivers in the nation’s Mountain Division are women, and the average caregiver is 54 years old. The average care recipient is 65 years old.

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.
• Reporting shows 47% of Mountain Division family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• Regionally, 52% of 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.
•  45% of caregivers report moderate to high levels of emotional stress in the Mountain Division.

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.

This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Wyoming 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 Wyoming’s Sheridan and Cheyenne Action Teams have produced Care for Caregivers classes for those who find themselves taking care of loved ones. Cheyenne residents can register here.
• AARP’s state-by-state Family Caregiver Resource Guides to help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.
• 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.