Spotlighting Urgent Need for Action to Support Family Caregivers
As Illinois marks National Family Caregivers Month this November, new findings from AARP show that nearly one in four adults across the state—about 2.22 million people—are caring for loved ones without pay, often with little help or recognition. The report, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, highlights the enormous economic and emotional toll of family caregiving and calls on lawmakers to take immediate action.
“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up—that’s what we do,” said Philippe Largent, AARP Illinois State Director. “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. It’s time to support family caregivers with the resources they need.”
According to AARP, Illinois caregivers collectively provide an estimated $21 billion worth of unpaid care each year, allowing aging relatives and those with disabilities to live independently at home rather than in institutions. Their daily duties range from helping with meals and bathing to managing medications, finances, and transportation—often with little training and few breaks.
The report paints a picture of compassion mixed with hardship.
• 80% of caregivers spend their own money to meet their loved ones’ needs, an average of $7,200 each year, or roughly a quarter of their income.
• 47% say caregiving has caused financial setbacks, forcing them to take on debt, drain savings, or struggle to afford food and medicine.
• 62% are also working full- or part-time jobs, many of whom reduce hours or leave work altogether—putting their own financial stability at risk.
AARP Illinois is calling for “commonsense solutions” to help these families, beginning with creation of an Illinois Family Caregiver Tax Credit. The measure would offer financial relief to people providing unpaid care by allowing them to deduct or claim a portion of their caregiving expenses when filing their state income taxes.
The concept mirrors the proposed federal Credit for Caring Act, which would give working caregivers a credit of up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. If enacted at the state level, the Illinois tax credit could be used to offset costs such as home safety modifications, medical supplies, transportation, or in-home support services not covered by insurance. For some, it could mean lowering their tax bill; for others, it could mean a partial refund—offering real financial relief to those who make it possible for loved ones to remain at home.
AARP Illinois says this kind of policy not only helps families but also benefits the state’s economy. By supporting caregivers, fewer residents would rely on public long-term care programs, saving taxpayer dollars while improving quality of life for older adults.
The organization is also pushing for a broader package of caregiving reforms to make support easier to access:
• Provide financial relief to caregivers through an Illinois Family Caregiver Tax Credit that reimburses out-of-pocket expenses.
• Help families navigate caregiving and long-term care resources through an Illinois Caregiver Portal to ensure loved ones receive proper care.
• Expand access to respite programs that allow caregivers time to rest and recharge, including options for those who do not qualify for Medicaid.
• Ensure caregivers receive proper instruction from medical professionals on health and nursing tasks through the Illinois CARES Act.
• Broaden eligibility and affordability for in-home and community-based care services.
At the national level, AARP is continuing to advocate for caregivers through two major proposals:
• The Credit for Caring Act, offering up to $5,000 in tax relief for working caregivers.
• The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand how flexible spending and health savings accounts can be used for caregiving needs.
“This National Family Caregivers Month, we’re encouraging everyone to recognize and support caregivers,” said Largent. “They are the foundation of our health care system, and they deserve every bit of help we can offer.”
In addition to its advocacy work, AARP Illinois provides free tools and local resources to help caregivers manage their responsibilities. Among them:
• AARP’s Family Caregiver Resource Guides, offering state-by-state listings of key services and agencies.
• AARP’s online Caregiving Hub, available in English and Spanish, with planning checklists and educational materials.
• AARP and United Way Worldwide’s 211 helpline, connecting families to local services for both caregivers and their loved ones.
• AARP’s official caregiving Facebook group, a space where caregivers nationwide share advice, experiences, and encouragement.
AARP Illinois will host several upcoming events to help caregivers plan for the future and navigate legal and financial questions:
• Effingham – “Mama Joe Project” Movie Screening and Q&A Panel: November 10, 2025, 5:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Online – “Retirement Planning for Caregivers”: November 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Online – “Long-Term Care Legal Guide: Navigating the Essentials with Confidence”: December 5, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
For more information or to register for upcoming programs, visit www.aarp.org/IL.
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people age 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a network of more than 100 million members, AARP advocates for health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment for older adults and their families.