Ahead of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Releases New Data Detailing Caregiving Prevalence in New Hampshire

The old man and his son are walking in the park. A man hugs his elderly father. They are happy and smiling

New Data Show 24% Of Adults In New Hampshire Provide Care, Spotlighting Urgent Need for Action to Support Family Caregivers

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New AARP caregiving data released today, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 24% of adults in New Hampshire — approximately 281,000 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 Christina FitzPatrick, AARP New Hampshire 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. AARP New Hampshire urges policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.” 

Family caregivers provide $2.8 billion in unpaid care each year in New Hampshire, 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 New England, 44% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• 70% of our region’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.