Labor of Granite Staters caring for relatives estimated at $2.8 Billion according to AARP report

Annabel Rocha

157 million hours worked. 168,000 New Hampshire caregivers. $0 paid out.

A new report by AARP revealed that the amount of unpaid care Granite Staters provided for loved ones in 2021 carried a value of $2.8 billion dollars.

Compared to the last report in 2019, this number has increased by $500 million.

“Family caregivers play a vital role in New Hampshire’s health care system, whether they care for someone at home, coordinate home health care, or help care for someone who lives in a nursing home,” said Christina FitzPatrick, AARP New Hampshire State Director. “We want to make sure all family caregivers have the financial, emotional and social support they need, because the care they provide is invaluable both to those receiving it and to their community.”

Whether it’s an abuelo, a tia or a parent, Latinos are known for caring for their family members and in many households, it is expected that Latino children will eventually care for their elderly relatives. In 2021, Salud America estimated that 1 in 3 Latino households had at least one family caregiver.

AARP reports that 61% of caregivers are also working a full time or part time job. This leads to lost income, less career opportunities and reduced savings due to their commitment at home. The report also points to the notion of “sandwich generation” caregivers. AARP estimated that 30 percent of caregivers lived in a multigenerational household, including children or grandchildren. This “sandwich generation”, consisting of Gen Z and millennials, are even more likely to be balancing work and tending to elderly relatives. 

26 percent of the Hispanic population in the U.S. lives in multigenerational homes, according to Pew Research.

AARP suggests several recommendations to offer support for diverse family caregivers including federal government assistance and an expansion to the Family and Medical Leave Act. To access the full report, click here.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Publisher’s Note: AARP New Hampshire and New Hampshire Latino News are partners in providing greater visibility and voice to local Hispanic-Latino communities. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Cover photo: Kampus Production for Pixels