Valuing the Invaluable: Family Caregivers Play an Essential Role

The unpaid care provided by the 80,000 family caregivers in South Dakota is valued at nearly $1.4 billion.

This economic value is the updated state data available in AARP’s most recent report in the Valuing the Invaluable series and is an increase of approximately $400 million in unpaid contributions in the state since the last report was released in 2019.

The Valuing the Invaluable report highlights the growing scope and complexity of family caregiving and highlights actions needed to address the many challenges of caring for parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

“Family caregivers play a vital role in South Dakota’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 Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota 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.”

AARP South Dakota (AARP SD) provides education, outreach, and advocacy for family caregivers and the loved ones who depend on them for care. In 2022, AARP SD collaborated with the Helpline Center on a service that allows family caregivers to sign up for phone or text support from trained staff. The program is free to participants, and any South Dakota resident age 18 and older who cares for an adult without pay is eligible. To enroll or to refer someone, simply call the Helpline Center at  211 and ask about the Caregiver Support Program.

During the 2023 Legislative Session, AARP SD testified in support of legislation that was signed into law that funds adult day centers, which can provide family caregivers a needed break from their caregiving duties, many of whom also may be juggling a job or other family responsibilities.

Read the full Valuing the Invaluable report at www.aarp.org/valuing for national and state-by-state data on the economic value of unpaid care by family and friends. Resources and information on family caregiving are available at aarp.org/caregiving.