Many of us with elderly relatives are familiar with the challenges involved with caring for their
needs. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and new data is shining a spotlight on
the burden faced by family caregivers in Michigan. Those who take on the responsibility of
caring for aging loved ones often have to act as everything from chefs to chauffeurs to nurses,
with little outside support.

Every five years, the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving conduct a national survey to
gain insight as to the state of caregiving in the country and what can be done to help. The
survey is designed to estimate the number of people who care for older family members across
the country, as well as their unique experiences, challenges and needs.

The AARP of Michigan is highlighting initiatives they are taking to support these struggling
communities.

“Our 2025 data gives us the clearest view yet of how caregiving has evolved across the country.
In Michigan, we’ve learned that there are 1.6 million adults serving as family caregivers,
representing more than 15% of the state’s population,” according to Jason Lachowski, Associate
State Director of Government Affairs for AARP of Michigan.

An enormous strain on caregivers
This demand puts an enormous strain on caregiving families’ finances, with up to 80% paying
for the essentials out of their own pocket. A household can spend up to $7,200 or 25% of the
average income each year on care costs. Forty six percent of those same caregivers have reported some degree of financial setbacks, such as taking on debt or struggling to pay for medical expenses,
per Lachowski.

Up to 53% of caregivers also juggle either full or part-time jobs. Many of them have had to
reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely to keep up with their caregiving duties.

Perhaps just as draining as the financial impact is the emotional toll that caregiving places on
families.

“Our report shows that about one-third of [families] report feeling high emotional stress while
caregiving. That’s why AARP Michigan is fighting for policies at the national and state level that
ease caregivers’ financial pressures to save them time and help get them some support,” noted
Lachowski.

What exactly can be done at the state level?
AARP is advocating for the State of Michigan to pass a tax credit for unpaid family caregivers. Ideally, per Lachowski, the tax credit would allow families to recoup up to $2,000 for expenses such as home modifications and medical equipment. This tax credit was introduced in the Michigan legislature in early November 2025.