New AARP caregiving data finds that 26% of adults in West Virginia — approximately 375,000 people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses and other loved ones.
The data was released last week in a report from the agency titled “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States.” 
“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Gaylene Miller, AARP West Virginia state director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, often putting their finances, health and jobs at risk.
Family caregivers provide more than $3 billion in unpaid care each year in West Virginia, helping family members live independently at home and in their communities—where they want to be. Their caregiving responsibilities range from bathing and meal prep to managing medications, arranging transportation and handling medical tasks, with little or no training.
“As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow,” Miller said. “With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP West Virginia is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”
And being a family caregiver can take its toll — financially, physically, and emotionally, according to AARP’s regional statistics for the South Atlantic Division — which includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, along with West Virginia.
According to the data, 80% of caregivers pay out of their own pockets to help meet their loved ones’ needs, averaging $7,200 each year, or 25% of their income. Just over one third, about 38%, receive no help with caregiving, either paid or unpaid.
Additionally, 52% of family caregivers report financial setbacks — taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine. Around 41% report moderate or high levels of emotional stress.
And 57% of caregivers are also juggling full- or part-time jobs. Many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities, jeopardizing their own long-term financial security. About 31% of caregivers provide at least 40 hours of care per week, or constant care.
The average age for family caregivers is 50 years old, and around 26% are what the agency calls “sandwich generation caregivers” — those who are caring for an adult while also having a child or children at home.
The report came out just before the start of November, which is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month.
