AARP GA Celebrates National Family Caregivers Month, Releasing New Information and Stats

New AARP caregiving data released today finds that 24% of Georgia adults, approximately 2.5 million people, are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. The data can be found here: Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States. 

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“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Vanessa J. Payne, AARP Georgia Director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, often putting their finances, health and jobs at risk. As our state's population ages, the demand for care will continue to grow. With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP Georgia urges policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time, and get the support they need.”

Georgia family caregivers provide $16.3 million in unpaid care each year, helping family members live independently at home and in their communities—where they want to be. Their caregiving responsibilities range from bathing and meal preparation to managing medications, arranging transportation, and handling medical tasks, with little to no training.

The toll on our family caregivers is significant— financially, physically, and emotionally.

• Eighty percent of caregivers pay out of their own pockets to help meet their loved ones’ needs, averaging $7,200 yearly or 25% of their income.
• In Georgia, 59% of family caregivers report experiencing financial setbacks, including taking on debt, draining their savings, or struggling to afford essentials such as food and medicine.
• Sixty-two percent of our state’s caregivers also juggle full- or part-time jobs. Many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities, jeopardizing their long-term financial security.