Among the many other designations for November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to recognize the role played by those who sometimes jeopardize their own long-term financial, physical and mental wellbeing to instead care for a loved one in need.

According to data from AARP West Virginia, approximately 26% of Mountain State adults fall into the category of being a family caregiver. These people are often unpaid — and on their own — taking care of older parents, spouses and others for whom no one else has stepped up.

In fact, AARP estimates there is approximately $3 billion worth of unpaid care provided each year in West Virginia, as (often untrained) family members take on responsibilities such as bathing, feeding, managing medication, arranging transportation and appointments, and other medical tasks.

“As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow,” said Gaylene Miller, AARP West Virginia state director. “With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP West Virginia is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”

These people frequently take money out of their own pockets — maybe even taking on debt — to help meet the needs of those for whom they are caring. Sometimes they are doing this work while maintaining other jobs. And far too often, they are doing all this without support from other family members or other caregivers.

According to data from the National Partnership for Women and Families, approximately two-thirds of those shouldering this burden are women.

Compounding the stress for some is that they are part of the “sandwich generation” of caregivers — with children still at home AND adult family members needing support.

While AARP is right to focus on how lawmakers and other public officials can better support those who are doing such important work in West Virginia, the data should prompt each of us to ask: Am I doing my part? Or, am I expecting someone else to do the heavy lifting in my family while I don’t give it a second thought?