More than 2 million adults in Ohio provide unpaid care to a loved one, according to new statewide data from AARP.
As Ohio’s aging population grows, so does its number of caregivers. Jenny Carlson, state director for AARP Ohio, said parents, spouses and neighbors are helping hold up the health care system in many communities while draining their savings, going into debt and making difficult choices.
“Do you remain in that full-time employment? Do you step out? Do you do something else to be able to care for a loved one? Do you pay your bills versus providing care?” Carlson said.
The data show 93% of Buckeye State caregivers spend their own money on care, and more than 70% say it is causing financial hardship. Caregivers report spending an average of about $7,200 a year on essential care for their loved ones.
Carlson said the ripple effects from overwhelmed caregivers can affect local economies.
“Burnout leads to workforce loss. Financial stress leads to instability,” she said. “And so the ripple effect is many more people are now ending up in costly institutional care.”
A February 2026 Pew Research Center survey found some groups are more likely than others to be caregivers. Among women who have an aging parent, spouse or partner, 28% are caregivers, compared with 23% of men. In low-income households, 39% of adults are caregivers, compared with 16% of upper-income adults.
Source: Public News Service
