AARP Hearing Center
You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
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.
This November, Governor Kelly has officially proclaimed it National Family Caregivers Month in Kansas to recognize the contributions, commitment, and sacrifices made by America’s 63 million family caregivers every single day.]
Across Kansas, 647,000 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 $4.5 million in unpaid care each year. 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. 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 61% of Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas Is Here for You
AARP Kansas is proud to stand with our family caregivers, offering free tools and resources to help them navigate their role as a caregiver.
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.