A newly released AARP report, “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States,” reveals that a staggering 24% of Georgia adults – approximately 2.5 million people – are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. The data highlights the immense financial, physical, and emotional toll these individuals face, prompting AARP Georgia to urge policymakers for immediate action.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Vanessa J. Payne, State Director, AARP Georgia. “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 Georgia urges policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time, and get the support they need.”

Georgia family caregivers contribute an astounding $16.3 billion in unpaid care each year, enabling their loved ones to live independently at home and within their communities—where they overwhelmingly prefer to be. Their responsibilities span a wide range of critical tasks, from bathing and meal preparation to managing complex medications, arranging transportation, and performing medical tasks, often with little to no formal training.

The report underscores the severe impact on family caregivers across multiple dimensions:

Financial Strain: 80% of caregivers pay out of their own pockets to help meet their loved ones’ needs, averaging $7,200 yearly or 25% of their income. In Georgia, 59% of family caregivers report significant financial setbacks, including taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basic necessities like food and medicine.
Workplace Conflict: Sixty-two percent of Georgia’s caregivers also juggle full- or part-time jobs. Many are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities, jeopardizing their long-term financial security and career trajectories.
Physical and Emotional Toll: The relentless demands of caregiving often lead to chronic stress, exhaustion, and declining health for the caregivers themselves.

AARP Georgia is actively fighting for commonsense solutions to alleviate these burdens, aiming to save caregivers money and time while providing greater support. On a federal level, AARP is advocating for the Credit for Caring Act, a proposed federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for working caregivers, and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand flexible spending and health savings account uses to cover caregiving expenses.

This November, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Georgia encourages everyone to support caregivers and join the growing movement of Americans raising their voices for change. Individuals can join AARP’s “I Am A Caregiver” movement and tell lawmakers it’s time to support those who care.

To access free caregiver tools and local resource guides, visit:

AARP’s state-by-state Family Caregiver Resource Guides: Help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies in their community.
AARP’s online Caregiving Hub: Provides comprehensive tools and information in English and Spanish.
AARP and United Way Worldwide’s 211 program: Connects family caregivers to essential local services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline.
AARP’s official caregiving Facebook group: Serves as a place for family caregivers nationwide to connect, share practical tips, offer support, and discuss their shared experiences.
About AARP Georgia

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.

###