AARP Nebraska Releases State-Level Data Detailing Caregiving Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month

Spotlight on Nebraska

New data from AARP, published this week in Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, reveals that 21% of Nebraska adults—roughly 312,000 people—serve as family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

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“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Todd Stubbendieck, AARP Nebraska 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 Nebraska is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time, and get the support they need.”

Family caregivers provide an estimated $2.8 billion in unpaid care each year in Nebraska, 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.

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.
• In Nebraska, 46% of family caregivers report financial setbacks—taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• 62% of our state’s 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.

AARP Nebraska is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time and provide greater support. A recent win is the Nebraska Caregiver Tax-Credit Act which took effect this year. It offers up to $3,000 in relief for out-of-pocket expenses, like home modifications, medical supplies, and in-home care. To qualify, the care-recipient must need help with at least two activities of daily living—and can be of any age. For more information, visit aarp.org/NEcaregiving.