Caregiving presents an array of challenges, from maintaining your loved one’s (and your) physical and emotional health to meeting medical needs, finding financial resources and arranging long-term care.
The following agencies, groups and organizations connect family caregivers with direct services and supports and offer a variety of information resources, including care guides, how-to videos, tip sheets and webinars.
Family Caregiver Resources
AARP Caregiver Resource Center
Care Guides to take the stress out of family caregiving
Information, services and support
877-333-5885 (888-971-2013 for Spanish)
Along with comprehensive coverage of issues affecting caregivers, AARP offers free care guides, legal checklists, information on care options and an online community that supports all types of family caregivers. You can also call our caregiver support line for one-on-one help.
855-CARE-640
Information, educational materials and support for family caregivers.
A project of AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association that provides easy access to Alzheimer’s and dementia resources, community programs, medical services and long-term care options in your area.
800-677-1116
Connects caregivers to area agencies on aging and other local resources for finding respite care, insurance counseling, transportation and other services for older Americans and family members.
800-445-8106
Information, education and support groups for family caregivers, including the Family Care Navigator, a state-by-state list of services and assistance.
National Alliance for Caregiving
202-918-1013
A coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues. The alliance conducts policy analysis and tracks legislation and initiatives that affect caregivers and care recipients.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
800-950-6264
Grassroots alliance of local organizations offering information, resource referrals and peer-to-peer support for people living with mental illness, their family members and caregivers.
800-222-2225
An arm of the National Institutes of Health, NIA offers extensive online information on common age-related health problems, including a section on caregiving for people with serious health issues.
800-838-0879
Provides support for spousal caregivers, including a national network of support groups and an online chat forum.
Alzheimer’s and dementia
800-272-3900
Information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Operates a 24-hour helpline every day and offers care navigator tools.
800-438-4380
A federal government website focusing on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, research and support, including resources for caregivers.
Lists more than 700 memory cafés offered in hospitals, libraries, senior centers and other facilities to help people with dementia and other cognitive issues, as well as their caregivers, combat social isolation and connect with others in similar situations.
800-227-2345
Offers caregiver and family resources, including a Caregiver Resource Guide available in interactive or downloadable form, videos, and other educational and support materials.
800-4-CANCER
Information and research for caregivers serving cancer patients, including downloadable booklets on caregiver resources and self-care.
888-793-9355
Connects cancer patients and their caregivers through a global network of support organizations and the online community MyLifeLine.
Hospice and palliative care
A directory from the nonprofit Center to Advance Palliative Care that lets you search for providers of palliative care in your area.
Search tool to find hospice providers in your area who participate in Medicare and to how they rank against national averages in areas such as family experience and quality of care.
800-854-3402
Professional organization for hospice providers that offers practical tips and advice on family caregiving and hospice.
In-home care
National Association of Home Builders
800-368-5242
The industry group offers a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) designation for builders who specialize in designs and modifications to help older adults continue to live at home. Consult their directory for a specialist near you.
Search tool that lets you find and compare Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area, with information on services provided and patient ratings.
Legal and financial help
877-267-2323
Medicaid provides health coverage for people with limited income and assets, and unlike Medicare it can help pay for long-term care such as in a nursing home. Medicaid coverage differs from state to state. Contact your state agencywith questions.
800-MEDICARE
The federal health program for people age 65 and older or disabled covers home health and skilled nursing services in some circumstances, and its website has tools to help you find care facilities and providers that accept Medicare.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Nonprofit association of lawyers and organizations that provide legal services for older adults and people with special needs. You can use its site to find lawyers in your area who specialize in long-term care, power of attorney and other aging and caregiving issues.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
SHIPs, as they’re called, offer local insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare recipients and their families and caregivers.
Long-term care
Online clearinghouse for information and tools to plan for your or your loved one’s long-term care needs, maintained by the federal Administration for Community Living.
National Center for Assisted Living
202-842-4444
An arm of the American Health Care Association, NCAL offers consumer resources on finding assisted living facilities and related programs in your state and information on payment options.
Searchable database with information on every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.
VA: Geriatrics and Extended Care
Department of Veterans Affairs guide to long-term services and supports for older military veterans, including VA nursing homes, other senior residences and help with home-based care.
Military caregivers
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
855-260-3274
The federal agency responsible for providing health care services and other vital benefits to eligible U.S. military veterans has a Caregiver Support Programthat offers peer support, mentoring, caregiver training programs and a helpline.
202-249-7170
Works to strengthen services for Americans caring for wounded, ill or injured family members who served in the military. Its programs include Hidden Heroes, an online support community for military caregivers.
Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
American Red Cross-affiliated network of online and community-based support groups and mentoring programs for caregivers of service members and veterans.
800-342-9647
A Department of Defense-financed program that provides resources and support to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members and their families, including counseling and consulting services for caregivers.
Respite care
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
Find programs and services that allow caregivers to get a break from caring for a loved one. The National Respite Locator is a state-by-state list of services and assistance.
National Adult Day Services Association
Professional organization for providers of adult day care with consumer resources including an adult day care locator and advice on evaluating and choosing a local center for your loved one.
800-942-2677
The national service network’s Senior Companions program matches older volunteers with seniors who have trouble with daily tasks, helping them live independently and providing respite for family caregivers.
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This article is sponsored by AARP
