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National Family Caregivers Month: AARP South Carolina Stands With Family Caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions of family caregivers and shine a light on the support they need

AARP

Published November 02, 2026

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Across South Carolina, more than 1 million family caregivers help their older parents, spouses and other loved ones remain at home and in their communities, where they want to be. Approximately 25.8% of South Carolina adults are family caregivers.

Across our state, family caregivers provide 670 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at $9.3 billion. They are a vital part of our long-term care system, spending countless hours driving loved ones to medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, preparing meals, managing medications and handling many other daily responsibilities.

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Most family caregivers are not paid for supporting their loved ones, yet caregiving can come with significant expenses. On average, caregivers spend $11,508 each year out of pocket to help meet their loved ones' needs, representing an average of 31% of their annual household income. New AARP data also show that 88% of American caregivers pay caregiving expenses out of their own pockets.

For the 47.1% of South Carolina family caregivers who are also working, balancing a job with caregiving adds another layer of responsibility.

Family caregivers are essential to families and communities across South Carolina, yet their contributions can too often go unseen. That's why, during National Family Caregivers Month and throughout the year, AARP South Carolina is elevating the experiences of family caregivers and advocating for solutions that support them.

Supporting South Carolina's Family Caregivers

AARP South Carolina supports policies that strengthen home- and community-based services, including funding for in-home supports, respite care and long-term services that help older adults remain safely at home. These issues are among AARP South Carolina's state advocacy priorities.

AARP South Carolina has also highlighted caregiving as an issue affecting families, the workforce and the state's economy, with state discussions including caregiver tax relief, respite care, home- and community-based services, the paid caregiving workforce and access to community resources.

AARP South Carolina Is Here for You

AARP South Carolina is proud to stand with family caregivers, offering tools and resources that can help them navigate their caregiving journey.

South Carolina Family Caregiver Resource Guide: AARP's South Carolina caregiving resources can help family caregivers find programs, services and organizations that provide assistance in their communities. Explore AARP caregiving resources.

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AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group on Facebook: AARP's caregiving community provides a place for family caregivers from across the country to connect, exchange practical tips and discuss shared experiences. Join the AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group.

Caregiving in Our Communities

Throughout November, AARP South Carolina is also highlighting caregiving through activities designed to provide information, resources and opportunities for caregivers.

Activities planned as part of the state's November Caregiving Blitz include educational programs and caregiver-focused events in communities including Columbia and Greenville, as well as virtual programming.

Whether you are helping a parent get to a doctor's appointment, managing medications for a spouse, preparing meals for a loved one or simply making sure someone you care about can continue living safely at home, you are a family caregiver, and you are not alone.

Make Your Voice Heard

Supporting family caregivers benefits families and communities throughout South Carolina. But we can't do this work alone.

Your voice can help show lawmakers the importance of supporting family caregivers and ensuring they have the resources they need.

Raise your hand and join AARP's fight for family caregivers at AARP's I Am a Caregiver campaign.

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