Economic Value of Family Caregiving in Ohio Reaches $32 Billion Annually, New AARP Report Shows

Ohio’s family caregivers now provide $32 billion worth of labor each year, according to a new AARP report. Most of this work is unpaid, yet it forms the backbone of the nation’s long-term care system that is essential to helping millions of older adults live independently at home.

Why this matters: Without family caregivers, many more Ohioans would rely on expensive institutional care, driving significantly higher costs for taxpayers and public programs.

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“Behind every number in this report is someone in Ohio quietly managing medications, finances, appointments—and holding a family together. I know that firsthand,”  said Jenny Carlson, AARP Ohio state director. “What often goes unrecognized is that this care now totals $32 billion annually in Ohio alone. That’s not informal help—that’s a critical part of our health care infrastructure. AARP Ohio is focused on making sure caregivers have the support, flexibility, and financial relief they need to keep doing this essential work without sacrificing their own well-being.”

Key findings from the report – Valuing the Invaluable 2026 – include:

• 2.1 million Ohioans are caregivers of adults, providing care for older parents, spouses, neighbors and other loved ones, contributing 1.61 billion hours of care annually, work that would be valued at $32 billion per year if paid in the marketplace, based on a value of $19.58 per hour.
• Across states, the estimated value of caregiving ranges from $14.12 per hour in Louisiana to $27.05 per hour in Washington, reflecting regional differences in wages and the cost of care.

National Findings:

• 59 million Americans are caregivers of adults, providing care for older parents, spouses, neighbors, and other loved ones, contributing 49.5 billion hours of care annually, work that would be valued at $1.01 trillion per year if paid in the marketplace, based on a value of $20.41 per hour.
• The 49.5 billion hours of care provided each year is the equivalent of nearly 24 million full-time workers, roughly 17% of the entire U.S. full-time workforce.
• The value of family caregiving exceeds total federal, state, and local Medicaid spending nationwide, and almost doubles all out-of-pocket health care spending.