BISMARCK, N.D. (AARP) – Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that 23.38% of adults in North Dakota 140,091 people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. See the state-specific findings for North Dakota here.

“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Josh Askvig, AARP North Dakota 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. With the release of this new data AARP North Dakota is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”

Family caregivers provide $1 billion in unpaid care each year in North Dakota, 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.

But the toll on our family caregivers is great— financially, physically, and emotionally.

• 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.
• In North Dakota, 46% of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• Approximately 62% of our state’s caregivers also juggle 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.

AARP North Dakota is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time and provide greater support:

• In the 2025 ND Legislative Session, AARP supported, and the ND Legislature passed, $1 million for remodeling and rehabbing homes to make them more age-friendly and accessible — allowing individuals to stay independent longer and making caring easier.
• AARP ND fought for funding, support and services that ease the burden of caregiving. This includes assessments such as OT/PT evaluations that identify home modifications to help people age in place.
• In previous sessions, AARP North Dakota has secured enhanced funding for home-and community-based services, greater support for respite care programs to support family caregivers, and caregiver training and education to ensure that they have the skills to support their loved ones at home.

And at the federal level, AARP is working to save caregivers money through the Credit for Caring Act, a proposed federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for working caregivers, and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand flexible spending and health savings account uses.

This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP North Dakota encourages everyone to show support for caregivers and to join the growing movement of Americans raising their voices for change. Join AARP’s I Am A Caregiver movement and tell lawmakers it’s time to support those who care.

To access free caregiver tools and local resource guides, visit:

• AARP North Dakota’s Family Caregiver Resource Guides to help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.
• AARP’s online Caregiving Hub with tools and information available in English and Spanish.
• AARP and United Way Worldwide’s 211 program connects family caregivers to essential local services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline.
• 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.