25+ Caregiver Resources and Tools

Nearly 53 million Americans provide unpaid care to aging parents, spouses, or loved ones—often without knowing where to find help. Caregiving becomes a second full-time job, and without the right resources, the physical, emotional, and financial strain can become overwhelming.

This guide brings together the most trusted caregiver resources across support organizations, financial assistance, training programs, respite care, legal services, and practical tools. Whether you're navigating Medicare coverage, searching for local respite care, or trying to understand what benefits you qualify for, you'll find clear starting points here.

Where to Start Right Now

Before diving into comprehensive resources, here's where to get immediate assistance:

Need local services today?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov. Ask specifically for your Area Agency on Aging contact, available respite programs, and caregiver training options.

Facing a financial crisis?
Visit Benefits.gov to search emergency assistance programs by location, including food support, energy bill help, and housing assistance.

Emotional crisis or burnout?
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support via call, text, or chat for caregivers experiencing emotional distress or crisis.

National Caregiver Organizations

National organizations offer education, planning tools, and connections to local resources. These can be especially valuable when you're not sure what questions to ask or where to begin.

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)

The Family Caregiver Alliance provides comprehensive caregiver education, care planning guidance, and support program connections. Their Services by State directory is particularly useful for finding state-specific programs, including respite care, legal resources, and support groups tailored to your location.

What makes FCA especially helpful: They translate complex caregiving systems into practical next steps and maintain updated state-level resource listings.

AARP Caregiving Resources

AARP offers free planning tools, worksheets, and guides designed specifically for family caregivers. Their care planning resources cover everything from initial conversations with loved ones to coordinating medical appointments and managing legal documents.

Best for: Practical worksheets and step-by-step planning guides that help you organize caregiving tasks and decisions.

Caregiver Action Network (CAN)

The Caregiver Action Network focuses on education and advocacy for family caregivers. Their searchable Family Caregiver Toolbox organizes resources by caregiver role, care recipient condition, and specific needs like financial planning or legal documentation.

Best for: Role-specific checklists and resources organized by your unique caregiving situation.

National Alliance for Caregiving

If you need research-backed information about caregiving trends, policy issues, or demographic data, the National Alliance for Caregiving maintains a comprehensive resource hub with reports and studies that can help you understand larger caregiving patterns and advocate for support.

Best for: Research reports, policy information, and understanding national caregiving statistics.

Government Resources and Programs

Government-funded programs often provide the most accessible route to local services like transportation, meal delivery, adult day services, and direct caregiver support. These programs exist specifically to support caregivers, but many families don't know they're available.

Eldercare Locator: Your Gateway to Local Support

The Eldercare Locator is a public service that connects you to local caregiving resources through Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and community organizations. Area Agencies on Aging operate in every U.S. county and coordinate aging services in your community.

How to use it: Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov, enter your zip code, and request contact information for your local AAA. When you call your AAA, ask specifically about caregiver support programs, respite care availability, and adult day services in your area.

What to expect: Your local AAA can conduct a needs assessment, explain available programs, and help you apply for services. Response times vary by location, but most agencies will return calls within 1-2 business days.

To understand how the aging network operates in your state, visit the Administration for Community Living's overview of Area Agencies on Aging.

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

The National Family Caregiver Support Program funds services specifically designed for family caregivers through your local Area Agency on Aging. Services commonly funded through NFCSP include information and assistance, counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care, and supplemental services like transportation or home modifications.

Important to know: Programs vary significantly by state and county. Your local agency may require an intake interview or eligibility screening. Some programs prioritize caregivers based on factors like age, income, or care intensity.

How to access: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (through the Eldercare Locator) and specifically ask what NFCSP-funded services are available in your county.

Medicare Resources for Caregivers

If your loved one has Medicare, certain caregiver-related services may be covered under specific circumstances.

Caregiver training coverage: Medicare's caregiver training services may be covered when your loved one has complex care needs following a hospital discharge or for managing chronic conditions. Training is typically limited to 8 hours per condition and must be ordered by a doctor as part of a home health plan.

What's typically covered: Training on medication management, wound care, safe transfers, recognizing warning signs, and using medical equipment.

Comparing home health agencies: If you're evaluating home health options, use Medicare Care Compare to review Medicare-certified agencies, compare quality ratings, and read inspection reports for providers in your area.

Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support

If you're caring for a Veteran, VA programs offer specialized support and potential financial assistance.

The VA Caregiver Support Program provides caregiver education, skills training, mental health services, respite care, and in some cases, monthly stipends for primary caregivers of Veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Direct support line: Call the VA National Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for guidance on available programs, eligibility requirements, and application assistance.

Disease-Specific Resources

When a specific diagnosis shapes your daily caregiving needs, condition-specific organizations can provide specialized guidance that general caregiver resources can't match.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Support

The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900) provides support, information, and resource navigation for people caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. The helpline is staffed by specialists who understand dementia care and can help you navigate difficult situations like behavior changes, safety concerns, or care transitions.

Additional condition-specific organizations to explore:

• American Heart Association (for stroke and heart disease caregiving)

• American Cancer Society (for cancer caregiving support)

• National Parkinson Foundation (for Parkinson's disease resources)

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society (for MS caregiving guidance)

How Can Caregivers Get Financial Help?

Financial strain is one of the most significant stressors for family caregivers. Between reduced work hours, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and the cost of supplies and services, many caregivers spend thousands of dollars annually while sacrificing income.

Can You Get Paid as a Caregiver?

Some programs allow family members to be paid for providing care, though eligibility varies significantly by state and program. The Benefits.gov caregiver overview explains general pathways where caregivers may receive payment, including Medicaid self-directed care programs, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, and state-specific programs.

Important reality check: Most family caregivers do not qualify for payment programs. Eligibility typically depends on your loved one's coverage (like Medicaid or VA benefits), your relationship, your state's rules, and often income requirements.

First step: Contact your loved one's insurance coordinator, VA benefits counselor, or local Area Agency on Aging to ask specifically: "Are there any programs where I could be compensated for caregiving?"

Food and Energy Assistance

If household costs are rising, assistance programs can free up budget room for other caregiving expenses.

SNAP (Food Stamps): The USDA SNAP application guidance explains eligibility requirements and how to apply for food assistance. Many seniors and their caregivers qualify but don't apply because they assume they won't be eligible.

Energy bill assistance: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. Program availability, benefit amounts, and application periods vary by state. Visit the LIHEAP overview to find your state program.

Tax Deductions and Free Filing Help

Medical expense deductions: If you itemize deductions, you may be able to deduct qualified medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. IRS Publication 502 explains which expenses qualify, including certain caregiver-related costs like home modifications, medical transportation, and long-term care insurance.

Free tax filing assistance: If you or your care recipient need filing support, the IRS offers free tax preparation through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) programs for eligible taxpayers. These programs can help you identify all applicable credits and deductions.

What Legal Resources Do Caregivers Need?

Legal planning often feels non-urgent until a medical crisis makes it essential. Having the right legal documents in place—and knowing where to get help—can prevent difficult situations during emergencies.

Finding an Elder Law Attorney

Elder law attorneys specialize in issues affecting aging adults, including Medicaid planning, guardianship, estate planning, long-term care contracts, and healthcare decision-making.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) directory is the most common starting point for locating qualified attorneys in your area. Look for attorneys who specifically list experience in the areas relevant to your situation.

What to ask in initial consultations:

• Do you charge for the first consultation?

• What is your hourly rate or flat-fee structure?

• Have you handled cases involving [specific issue like Medicaid planning or guardianship]?

• What timeline should I expect?

Free or Low-Cost Legal Aid

If cost is a barrier, civil legal aid organizations provide free or reduced-cost legal services to eligible individuals, typically based on income guidelines.

The Legal Services Corporation legal help locator connects you to legal aid organizations in your area. For a plain-language explanation of what legal aid typically covers, see LSC's overview of legal aid services.

Common legal services provided:

• Help with advance directives and healthcare powers of attorney

• Guardianship and conservatorship assistance

• Medicare and Medicaid appeals

• Nursing home issues and patient rights

• Protection from financial exploitation

Understanding HIPAA and Medical Information Access

HIPAA privacy rules can create barriers when you're trying to access a loved one's medical information or make healthcare decisions on their behalf.

HHS guidance on personal representatives under HIPAA explains how legal authority works in different situations. Generally, you need one of these to access medical information legally:

• Healthcare Power of Attorney (also called Healthcare Proxy)

• Legal guardianship

• Written HIPAA authorization from your loved one

Prevent access problems before crisis: Encourage your loved one to sign HIPAA authorization forms with all their healthcare providers, naming you (and backup decision-makers) as authorized to receive information and make decisions if needed.

Education and Training Resources

Proper training can make caregiving safer for both you and your loved one, especially when it comes to physical tasks like lifting and transfers, wound care, or medication management.

Medicare-Covered Caregiver Training

If your loved one has Medicare and meets specific criteria, caregiver training may be covered. The Medicare caregiver training services page outlines eligibility factors and explains how training is typically delivered (usually through a Medicare-certified home health agency as part of a skilled nursing plan).

Coverage limitations: Training is usually limited to 8 hours per condition and must be ordered by a physician as part of home health services. The training must be related to the care recipient's specific medical needs.

American Red Cross Training Programs

For broader education opportunities beyond what Medicare covers, the American Red Cross offers caregiver training programs covering topics like:

• Basic caregiving skills

• First aid and CPR

• Safe patient handling and transfers

• Dementia care techniques

Visit the American Red Cross training and education overview to explore available programs and costs.

Local Free Caregiver Training

Many communities offer free or low-cost caregiver training through programs funded by the National Family Caregiver Support Program or local hospitals and senior centers.

How to find local training: Contact your Area Agency on Aging and ask: "What free caregiver training programs are available in our county?" Also ask local hospitals if they offer community caregiver education programs.

Respite Care and Support Services

Respite care provides temporary relief so you can rest, attend to your own health, handle personal tasks, or simply take a break. Even short respite periods can significantly reduce caregiver stress and burnout.

ARCH National Respite Locator

The ARCH National Respite Locator helps you search for respite services by zip code, including in-home respite, adult day programs, and short-term residential respite.

For a clearer understanding of what respite care can look like and what might work for your situation, review ARCH's types of respite overview, which explains:

• In-home respite (a caregiver comes to your home)

• Adult day services (structured programs during daytime hours)

• Short-term residential care (overnight or multi-day stays)

• Emergency respite (crisis relief when urgent needs arise)

Adult Day Services

Adult day services provide structured daytime programs in a community setting, offering social engagement, meals, activities, and often health monitoring. This allows caregivers to work, run errands, or rest while knowing their loved one is safely supervised and engaged.

To locate adult day centers, use the National Adult Day Services Association "Find a Center Near You" tool, which lists member centers with details about services, hours, and costs.

Cost considerations: Some adult day services accept payment through Medicaid, Veterans benefits, or long-term care insurance. Many centers operate on a sliding scale based on income. Always ask about payment options and financial assistance during your initial inquiry.

Tools for Family Caregivers

Caregiving involves juggling medical appointments, medications, insurance claims, legal documents, and daily care tasks. Digital tools and organizational resources can reduce mental load and help you keep track of critical information.

Planning Templates and Checklists

For comprehensive planning guides: AARP's caregiving planning guide offers downloadable worksheets for organizing medical information, coordinating care team communication, and planning difficult conversations with family members.

For role-specific resources: The Caregiver Action Network toolbox provides checklists organized by your caregiving role, care recipient needs, and specific situations like hospital discharge or care transitions.

Care Coordination and Navigation Support

If organizing all these resources, making calls, and coordinating multiple systems feels overwhelming, Aviator provides personalized navigation support for family caregivers.

Aviator can help you:

• Identify which programs and benefits you likely qualify for based on your situation

• Prepare for intake calls with local agencies so you ask the right questions

• Track multiple applications and follow-ups across different programs

• Organize medical information and care coordination tasks

• Connect directly with local resources without hours of research

Learn more about Aviator Health services at aviatorhealth.co/signup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to find local caregiver help?

Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask for your Area Agency on Aging contact information. When you reach your AAA, specifically request information about respite care options, caregiver support groups, and training programs available in your county. Most agencies will conduct a needs assessment and explain available services.

Can I get paid to take care of my parent or spouse?

It depends on several factors including your state, your loved one's insurance coverage (especially Medicaid or VA benefits), and program-specific rules. Visit Benefits.gov to explore potential pathways, but know that most family caregivers don't qualify for payment programs. Your best first step is contacting your local Area Agency on Aging or your loved one's insurance coordinator to ask about specific programs in your area.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Start with the Legal Services Corporation locator at lsc.gov to find free or low-cost civil legal aid in your area. Legal aid organizations typically help with advance directives, guardianship issues, Medicare/Medicaid appeals, and elder abuse cases. Eligibility is usually based on income, and services are provided at no cost or reduced fees.

Where can I find immediate emotional support?

If you're experiencing emotional distress, burnout, or crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support through call, text, or chat. The service is free, confidential, and available for anyone experiencing emotional crisis. For ongoing emotional support, ask your local Area Agency on Aging about caregiver support groups and counseling services available through the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

How do I know which resources to prioritize?

Start with your most pressing need right now. If you're experiencing burnout, prioritize respite care and emotional support. If you're facing financial strain, begin with Benefits.gov and your local AAA to identify assistance programs. If legal issues or healthcare decisions are urgent, tackle legal resources first. You don't need to contact every resource in this guide—focus on what would provide the most immediate relief.

Takeaway

Caregiving is more sustainable when you build a support system early, before crisis hits. You don't need to navigate this alone, and you don't need to contact every organization listed here to get meaningful help.

Take one action today: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, ask for your Area Agency on Aging, and request information about caregiver supports in your county. This single call can connect you to local programs you didn't know existed.

If the system feels overwhelming: Aviator can help you prioritize resources, prepare for intake calls, track applications, and organize your caregiving logistics so you can focus on caring instead of coordinating. Learn more at Aviator Health services.

The resources in this guide exist specifically to support you. Using them isn't a sign of weakness—it's a strategic way to sustain your caregiving role while protecting your own health and wellbeing.

Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation. Aviator provides advocacy and care navigation support, but services and eligibility vary by individual circumstances. In emergencies, contact 911 or appropriate emergency services immediately.

Sources

Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). Area Agencies on Aging. https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging

Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). Eldercare Locator. https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). National Family Caregiver Support Program. https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program

Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.). 24/7 Helpline. https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Training and education. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/training-education.html

ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center. (n.d.). National Respite Locator Service. https://archrespite.org/caregiver-resources/respitelocator/

Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Get paid as a caregiver for a family member. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/5918

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Caregiver training services. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/caregiver-training-services

Legal Services Corporation. (n.d.). I need legal help. https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. (n.d.). Find an attorney. https://www.naela.org

National Adult Day Services Association. (n.d.). Find a center near you. https://www.nadsa.org

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). SNAP application guidance. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Personal representatives and HIPAA. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/personal-representatives/index.html

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). VA Caregiver Support Program. https://www.caregiver.va.gov

Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). Publication 502: Medical and dental expenses. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502