November is National Family Caregivers Month, a chance to recognize the contributions, commitment, and sacrifices made by America’s 63 million family caregivers every single day.

Across Connecticut, 773,000 family caregivers help their older parents, spouses, or other loved ones live independently at home and in their communities – where they want to be. According to AARP’s Valuing the Invaluable report, family caregivers in our state provide $7.2 billion in unpaid care each year. They are the backbone of our long-term care system, spending countless hours driving to doctor’s appointments, picking up prescriptions, cooking meals, managing medications, and much more.

Most family caregivers are not paid for helping their loved ones, but they still spend plenty out of their own pockets – and it’s not cheap. On average, caregivers spend more than $7,200 a year, roughly one quarter of their income. Many end up dipping into savings, taking on debt, or cutting back on essentials like food and medication. And for the 76 percent of Connecticut caregivers who are also working, many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities.

According to the recent report, most of the family caregivers in Connecticut care for an adult (93 percent) – most often a parent (51 percent). On average, family caregivers in Connecticut are 49 years old and care for someone 68 years old. Four in ten caregivers (39 percent) are sandwich generation caregivers who care for an adult while also caring for a child under 18.

But here’s the thing: while family caregivers do so much for their loved ones, they’re too often overlooked by society and lawmakers as they hold up a broken system. That’s why this month, and every month, AARP Connecticut is shining a spotlight on family caregivers and calling on lawmakers to pass commonsense solutions -- like a family caregiver tax credit – that will save them money, time, and provide them with more support.

AARP Connecticut Is Here for You

AARP Connecticut is proud to stand with our family caregivers, offering free tools and resources to help them navigate their role as a caregiver.

• Caregiving Resource Guides: AARP’s Connecticut Family Caregiver Resource Guide help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community. Find the guide and additional resources at aarp.org/caregiving.
• 211 Caregiver Support Program: Now available in 25 states and Puerto Rico, including Connecticut, AARP and United Way Worldwide’ s program connects family caregivers to essential services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline. 
• AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group on Facebook: 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. 

We can’t do this work alone. Your voice is needed to show lawmakers that family caregivers are a powerful constituency. Raise your hand and join the fight at www.aarp.org/iamacaregiver.