Ohio Family Caregivers Provide $32 Billion in Labor Annually

AARP study finds family caregivers are essential to supporting Ohio's aging and disabled population.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:04am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the intricate bone structure and veins of an elderly person's hand, conveying the fragility and resilience of family caregiving.An intimate X-ray view of the delicate bonds of family caregiving, which provide an essential lifeline for Ohio's aging and disabled population.Toledo Today

A new AARP study has found that family caregivers in Ohio provide an estimated $32 billion worth of labor each year, caring for over 2 million aging and disabled residents. Experts say without this unpaid care, many Ohioans would face premature institutionalization, declining health, or even homelessness. However, the demands of caregiving can also take a toll on caregivers' own wellbeing, highlighting the need for more support resources.

Why it matters

Family caregiving plays a critical role in supporting Ohio's aging and disabled population, but the emotional, physical, and financial toll on caregivers themselves is significant. This study underscores the immense value of family caregivers and the importance of expanding access to caregiver support services to ensure the health and stability of both care recipients and their loved ones.

The details

The AARP report found that Ohio's family caregivers provide 1.61 billion hours of unpaid care annually, equivalent to $32 billion in labor. Experts say without this care, many Ohioans would face premature institutionalization, declining health, or even homelessness. However, caregiving also takes a major toll, with caregivers often neglecting their own healthcare needs. Community resources like support groups, respite care, and counseling services can provide much-needed relief, but many caregivers are unaware these options exist.

  • The AARP report was released in April 2026.
  • The Toledo Caregivers Support Group meets on the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

The players

AARP

A nonprofit organization that issued the report on the value of family caregiving in Ohio.

Kristen Schuchmann

A social worker at the University of Toledo Medical Center and leader of the Toledo Caregivers Support Group.

Justin Moor

The president and chief executive officer of the Area Office on Aging.

Jason McAllister

A service and support administration coordinator and leader of the senior committee at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Nancy Temme

A Whitehouse, Ohio resident who has been caring for her husband since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and dementia in 2000.

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What they’re saying

“If there were no family caregivers, there wouldn't be enough places for these people to live in. There just wouldn't be enough beds if no family member ever cared for their person.”

— Kristen Schuchmann, Social worker and support group leader

“[It's] 22 hours a week of help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, picking up prescriptions, picking up groceries, taking a doctor's appointment. You take all of that away and somebody's physical health is sure to decline rapidly.”

— Justin Moor, President and CEO, Area Office on Aging

“A lot of times, families come to us and they just say, 'I can't do this anymore.' Then they get a little relief and they're like, 'Wait, now I have some clarity.'”

— Jason McAllister, Service and support coordinator

“It's heartbreaking watching what Parkinson's takes away over time. Watching this brilliant engineer not even be able to use a cell phone anymore or computer.”

— Nancy Temme

What’s next

The Area Office on Aging plans to expand its evidence-based workshops, support groups, and professional counseling services to help more family caregivers access resources and respite care.

The takeaway

This study highlights the immense value that family caregivers provide to Ohio's aging and disabled population, saving the state billions in institutional care costs. However, it also underscores the need for greater support and resources to ensure the wellbeing of these unsung heroes, who often sacrifice their own health and financial stability to care for their loved ones.