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One in Five Minnesota Adults Are Caregivers: AARP Offers Resources and Events
This National Family Caregivers Month, explore free AARP Minnesota events, practical tools and opportunities to connect with other caregivers.
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Family caregivers play an essential role in helping loved ones live independently at home and in their communities.
According to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving’s 2025 Caregiving in the US Minnesota findings, approximately 931,000 Minnesotans, or one in five adults (21%), are family caregivers who currently provide care or provided care within the past year. Caregivers come from every generation, background, and community, and many balance caregiving responsibilities alongside work, family, and other commitments.
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While caregiving can be meaningful and rewarding, it can also bring financial, emotional, and physical challenges. New research shows caregivers are providing increasingly complex and high-intensity care and are looking for practical resources and support.
November is National Family Caregivers Month. To help caregivers find practical support and connect with others, AARP Minnesota is offering free events, resources, and educational opportunities in communities across the state and online.
Free November Events in Minnesota
Thank You for Holding: Caregiver Stories
Join AARP Minnesota and Wonderlust Productions for a filmed performance exploring the joys and challenges of family caregiving, followed by a facilitated conversation. Hear caregivers’ stories, share insights, and connect with others.
November 7, 2026, 4–6 p.m., St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN)
November 12, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m., Virtual
November 17, 2026, 6–8:30 p.m., Pop’s Art Theater, Rochester
Free Coffee Friday: Caregiving Financial Help
Drop in for coffee and learn about financial coaching and resources from Wings for Widows and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s Home Matching Service.
November 6, 2026, 9:30–11 a.m., AARP Information Center at Mall of America, Bloomington
CAREversations: Caring for a Loved One
Join a lightly facilitated conversation about caring for a friend, family member or loved one. Learn key steps to help with caregiving, exchange tips with fellow caregivers, and explore local resources.
November 4, 2026, 6–8 p.m., McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center (Aspen), Savage
November 10, 2026, 6–8 p.m., Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul
November 14, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville
Explore additional local and virtual caregiving programs at aarp.org/MNevents.
Caregiving By The Numbers
The latest national caregiving research found:
- 63 million Americans are family caregivers.
- 61% are women and 39% are men.
- The average caregiver is 51 years old.
- Nearly three in 10 caregivers (29%) are caring for both children and adults.
- Family caregivers are providing care for longer periods and taking on increasingly complex responsibilities.
Source: Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 AARP and NAC Report: aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-us-2025.doi.10.26419-2fppi.00373.001.pdf
Minnesota Caregiving Data:
- Estimated family caregivers in Minnesota: 931,000 adults, or 21% of adults, according to the 2025 AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving Minnesota findings.
- Economic value of family caregiving in Minnesota: $11.1 billion for 480 million hours of care in 2024, according to AARP’s Valuing the Invaluable 2026. This estimate covers care for adults, a narrower population than the 2025 caregiver total above.
- Weekly care in Minnesota: 23% of family caregivers provide at least 40 hours of care per week or constant care, according to the 2025 Minnesota findings.
Sources: AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving, Caregiving in the US 2025: Spotlight on Minnesota; AARP, New AARP Data Shows the Value of Family Caregiving in Minnesota (March 26, 2026). The weekly-care figure is Minnesota-specific; it is not a statewide average.
Why Caregiving Matters
Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care in America.
The 2025 report found that caregivers often help with personal care, transportation, medical and nursing tasks, financial management, and emotional support. While many caregivers find meaning and purpose in helping loved ones, many also report financial strain and challenges balancing caregiving with work and family responsibilities.
As Minnesota’ population ages, family caregivers play an increasingly important role in helping loved
AARP Advocacy for Family Caregivers
AARP works to make caregiving easier by helping caregivers:
- Save time
- Save money
- Access support and services
- Balance work and caregiving responsibilities
These goals align with AARP's caregiving strategy focused on helping individuals and their loved ones shape how they live as they age.
In Minnesota, AARP supported the Paid Family and Medical Leave law to help working caregivers balance their jobs and family responsibilities. The program launched January 1, 2026, providing payments and job protections for eligible workers who need time away for their own health or to care for a family member. Learn more through Minnesota Paid Leave.
AARP’s broader work to support family caregivers includes:
- Family caregiver tax credits
- Paid leave
- Respite care
- Workplace flexibility
- Home and community-based services
Resources for Family Caregivers
AARP offers free tools and resources to help caregivers at every stage of their journey.
Resources include:
- Family Caregiving Resource Center www.aarp.org/caregiving
- Minnesota Family Caregiver Resource Guide: Family Caregiver Resources for Minnesota
- Prepare to Care® Guide: AARP Family Caregiving Guide / Prepare to Care®
- Family Caregiver Financial Workbook: www.aarp.org/caregivermoney
- Online webinars and educational programs: AARP Caregiving & Livable Communities
- AARP Veterans & Military Families Resources AARP Veterans & Military Families
- AARP Family Caregiver Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers
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Caregiving touches millions of families every day
Whether you are helping a loved one now, expect to provide care in the future, or simply want to learn more, AARP Minnesota can connect you with trusted information, practical tools, and opportunities to meet other caregivers. Explore the Minnesota resource guide, join a November event, or share these resources with someone who could use support.
Whether you are helping a loved one now, expect to provide care in the future, or simply want to learn more, start with AARP Minnesota’s caregiver resource guide or find a November event at aarp.org/MNevents. AARP Minnesota can connect you with trusted information, practical tools, and opportunities to meet other caregivers. Share these resources with someone who could use support.
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