Caregiver Resources
These resources have been compiled based on input from subject matter experts from reliable sources. Authors and sponsors of the sites are from trustworthy organizations such as non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions.
National & Community Help Line – 2*1*1
211 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country. Thousands of caring, local experts are available to help, 24/7. There are over 200 agencies across the United States that help people through calls, web chats, and text messages looking for basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and health care.
Advance Care Planning & Long-Term Planning
American Bar Association “find legal help” tool
American Bar Association - Spanish Version
Helps refer individuals to free legal services or private attorneys in their communities.
Center for Practical Bioethics
800-344-3829 (toll-free)
Provides guidance to patients, families, and clinicians grappling with hard choices. Provides information on caring conversations, advance directives, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) directives, durable power of attorney, end-of-life planning, and advance care planning.
LongTermCare.gov
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.
LTC Ombudsman
Long-term care ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities.
Ombudsmen provide information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care. They are trained to resolve problems. If you want, the ombudsman can assist you with complaints.
However, unless you give the ombudsman permission to share your concerns, these matters are kept confidential. Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system.
UCSF Long-Term Care: Options at Home and in the Community
UCSF-Long-Term Care: Options for at home and in the community
Overview of options to provide long-term care to family members or friends living with dementia.
National Center for Assisted Living
202-842-4444
A part 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.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
800-658-8898 (toll-free)
NHPCO: Advanced Care Planning - English Version NHPCO: Advanced Care Planning - Spanish Version
Advance care planning is making decisions about the healthcare you would want to receive if you happen to become unable to speak for yourself. Advance care planning includes: getting information on the types of life-sustaining treatments that are available, completing advance directives to put into writing what types of treatment you would or would not want.
National Institute on Aging
Advanced Care Directives - English Version Advanced Care Directives - Spanish Version
Advanced care planning involves learning about the types of decisions that might need to be made, considering those decisions ahead of time, and then letting others know—both your family and your healthcare providers—about your preferences. These preferences are often put into an advance directive, a legal document that goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself.
National POLST Paradigm
202-780-8352
POLST forms are portable medical orders or medical orders that travel with the patient (your state may call it something other than POLST). All adults should have an advance directive to help identify a surrogate decision maker and provide information about what treatments they want for an unknown medical emergency. A POLST form is for when you become seriously ill or frail and toward the end of life. A POLST form gives medical orders to emergency personnel based on your current medical situation. POLST forms and advance directives are both advance care plans but they are not the same.
Next Step in Care
For Family Caregivers - Spanish Version
Next Step in Care provides easy-to-use guides and videos to help family caregivers and healthcare providers work closely together to plan and implement safe and smooth transitions for chronically or seriously ill patients. Transitions are moves between care settings, for example, hospital to home or rehab facility, or the start or end of home care agency services.
Nursing Home Compare
Searchable database with information on every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.
OrganDonor.gov
OrganDonor.gov - English Version OrganDoner.gov - Spanish Version
Health Resources & Services Administration
Prepare For Your Care
Prepare for your care - English Version Prepare for your care - Spanish Version
Guides patients through the process of completing an advance healthcare directive. Available for all states and in multiple languages.
Veterans Affairs: Geriatrics and Extended Care
Department of Veterans Affairs guide to long-term services and support for older military veterans, including VA nursing homes, and other senior residences, and help with home-based care.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Alzheimer’s Association
800-272-3900
Alzheimer's Association - Spanish Version
Information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Operates a 24-hour helpline every day and offers care navigator tools. They offer help through a professionally staffed 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900), face-to-face support groups and educational sessions in communities nationwide, and comprehensive online resources and information through the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center.
Information specific to certain groups is listed below.
· Asian
Alzheimers.gov
800-438-4380
Alzheimer’s.gov - Spanish Version
A federal government website focusing on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, research, and support, including resources for caregivers.
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
866-507-7222
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration - Spanish Version
Promotes and funds research into finding the cause, therapies, and cures for frontotemporal degeneration. They also offer information, education, and support to persons diagnosed with a frontotemporal degeneration disorder, their families, and caregivers.
CDC Alzheimer’s Disease and Health Aging
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Spanish Version Find information related to Alzheimer's, BOLD, Healthy Brain Initiative, Healthy Aging, Caregiving, Dementia, and numerous other topics.
Community Resource Finder
A joint project of AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association provides easy access to Alzheimer’s and dementia resources, community programs, medical services, and long-term care options in your area.
Dementia Types
NIA-UCSF Dementia Types - Spanish Version
This overview provides brief information on the most common types of dementia.
Other Types of Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
UCSF-An Overview Document - Spanish Version
This overview provides information on Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia.
Dementia Myths and Facts
Dementia Myths & Facts - Spanish Version
See common myths about dementia and learn the facts.
Eldercare Locator
800-677-1116
Spanish Eldercare Location Brochure
Just one phone call or Website visit 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. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
The Lewy Body Dementia Association
Lewy Body Resource Center - Spanish Version
Works to raise awareness of Lewy body dementias (LBD), promoting scientific advances, and supporting people with LBD, their families, and caregivers. LBD is a complex disease that can present a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.
Veterans Affairs: Dementia Care (including Alzheimer’s)
855-260-3274 (Caregiver Support Line)
For those caring for a Veteran, resources on dementia care through the VA and information on new research on dementia in Veterans.
Caregiver Services, Health Resources & Support
Al-Anon
Al-Anon provides help and hope for families and friends who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Members support each other in coping with the challenges of someone else’s drinking.
Aging and Disability Centers Near You
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) across the country seek to address the frustrations many older adults, people with disabilities, and family members experience when trying to learn about and access long-term services and support. Provides objective information, advice, counseling, and assistance; empowers people to make informed decisions about their long-term services and support; and helps people access public and private programs. ADRCs provide unbiased, reliable information and counseling to people with all levels of income.
Agency on Aging, Administration for Community Living (ACL)
Agency on Aging: ACL - Spanish Version
Provides a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of topics, programs, and services related to aging, and connects you to online tools, resources, and advocates.
American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) Family Caregiving
877-333-5885
AARP provides comprehensive information of issues affecting caregivers, legal checklists, information on care options, and an online community that supports all types of family caregivers. It also provides a caregiver support line for one-on-one help.
Caregiver Action Network
855-CARE-640
Information, educational materials resources, and peer support for family caregivers who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of older age. Serves a broad spectrum of caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs to the families and friends of wounded soldiers.
CaringBridge
As a family caregiver, confronting an illness or an injury is one of the most demanding, isolating things you can do. Family and friends are an amazing source of support, but constantly sharing updates is impractical and can be emotionally draining.
CaringBridge is a free, personal, protected online platform with simple tools for family caregivers to share health updates, and for their community to offer support and encouragement when it matters most.
Caregiver Resource Center OC(Orange County, CA)
800-543-8312
Orange County, CA Caregiver Resource Center - Spanish Version
Can I Get Paid To Be a Caregiver? The short answer is, maybe.
Cooperative Extension System
The Cooperative Extension System is part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It provides caregivers and advocates access to a wide range of information and materials designed to help them learn about and provide supportive services to family and relative caregivers. Topics include disaster preparedness, military families, grandparents raising grandchildren, housing, and nutrition.
Family Caregiver Alliance
800-445-8106
Family Caregiver Alliance - Spanish Version
Supports caregivers through information, education, services and research. Connects caregivers to services and support groups and has an ongoing story project, including the Family Care Navigator, a state-by-state list of services and assistance, online guide to help families locate government, nonprofit and private caregiver support programs.
Funeral Consumers Alliance
Provides education to the public on funeral planning and advocates for consumer rights.
Generations United
Generations United - Spanish Version
Generations United (GU) is a national membership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs, advocacy, and public policies.
Geriatric Care Managers
Provides referral information to connect caregivers with geriatric care managers who can serve as guides and advocates for families caring for older relatives or disabled adults. Care managers might help with assessment and monitoring, planning and problem- solving, education and advocacy, and family caregiver coaching.
Care managers that caregivers might be referred to through the website charge a fee for their services.
Lotsa Helping Hands
An online care management and organizational tool that facilitates communication between caregivers and members of their care support team (e.g. friends and family).
Memory Café Directory
Cafe Connect Calendar that offers options in different languages - Spanish Version
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. A Memory Cafe is not a place to “drop off” your loved one for a while, but a way to enjoy activities with them as a break from the normal routine.
National Alliance for Caregiving
202-918-1013
A coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues. The alliance conducts policy analysis, tracks legislation and initiatives that affect caregivers and care recipients, conducts research, and develops national programs.
National Council On Aging/Benefits Checkup
Benefits Checkup - Spanish Version
BenefitsCheckUp is the nation’s most comprehensive online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefits.
National Do Not Call
Do Not Call Registry- English Version Do Not Call Registry - Spanish Version
Managed by the FTC to allow consumers to report unwanted calls.
National Institute on Aging
800-222-2225
A part 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. To view the information in Spanish click on Espanõl at the upper right corner.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Women's Health: Tips for Caregivers
FDA Women's Health Topics - Caring for others - resources to help you - Spanish Version
FDA Office of Women’s Health understands caring for someone can be rewarding but challenging. FDA’s Tips for Caregivers website provides tools to help caregivers manage the care of their loved ones. The website provides tips for caregivers of older adults, young children, teens, and people with special needs. The website also highlights 7 tips for all caregivers to know.
Well Spouse Association
800-838-0879
Provides support for spousal caregivers, including a national network of support groups and an online chat forum.
Village to Village Network
A national network of grassroots, nonprofit organizations that connects elders to social events and volunteer services (e.g. transportation, health and wellness programs, home repairs) in their communities.
Caregiver Abuse/ Elder Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation
National Adult Protective Services Association
National Adult Protective Services Association - English Version
The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) is a national non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with members in all fifty states. Formed in 1989, the goal of NAPSA is to provide Adult Protective Services (APS) programs a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult mistreatment. Its mission is to strengthen the capacity of APS at the national, state, and local levels, to effectively and efficiently recognize, report, and respond to the needs of elders and adults with disabilities who are the victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and to prevent such abuse whenever possible.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Articles on how to address anger and aggression from a loved one with dementia.
Elders Who Abuse Their Family Caregivers & When Caregivers Are Abused
Elder Abuse and Mistreatment - Spanish Version
800-677-1116
National Resource Center: prevention of elder mistreatment
A national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment.
CDC: Violence Prevention & Elder Abuse
Provides information, prevention strategies, and resources.
Money Smart for Older Adults Resource Guide
FDIC: Money Smart for Older Adults - Spanish Version
Provides education on avoiding scams, fraud, and other financial exploitation schemes that target elders.
Caregiving & Communicating with Family/Children
Caregivers in the middle – information for family caregivers of children and individuals with dementia
Family Caregiver Alliance Resources and Services
Family Caregiver Alliance: Resources and Services - Spanish Version
Books to Help Children - English Version
Grandma Doesn't Remember Me - English Version
Sandwiched in - Caregivers in the middle - English Version
For Parents and Teachers
Resources to help kids and teens for Parents and Teachers - English Version
Maintaining Family Harmony & Family Mediation
·Information on Holding a Family Meeting
Holding a family meeting - Spanish Version
Caregiving with your siblings - Spanish Version
Caregiving & Working
Balancing Work and Caregiving
AARP: Being a Caregiver While You Work - Spanish Version
Balancing Work, Life and Caregiving: You Can’t Go it Alone
Balancing Career and Caregiving
US Department of Labor
General information about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is provided to certain employees to help balance work and family responsibilities.
Chronic Conditions & Mental Health
Allergy & Asthma Network
The Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, a patient advocacy organization, was started by a mother with children who have asthma. Section for patients includes practical easy-to- understand and medically accurate ways to prevent and control symptoms.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - Spanish Version
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is one of the nation's largest professional medical specialty organizations. Their website, though mainly for industry, does include a Find an Allergist / Immunologist service.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American - Spanish Resources
A nonprofit organization founded in 1953, works to develop and implement public policies to improve the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies. This website provides information about triggers, symptoms, and treatments as well as a blog and community forum.
American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association - Spanish Version
This site contains a variety of information about diabetes from nutrition to research and advocacy issues like insulin affordability. Website also features: news, risk tests, statistics, recipes, and is available in Spanish.
American Heart Association
Nonprofit organization offering healthy living tips and information about different heart-related health topics, caregiver support, and community forums.
Medline Plus: Arrhythmia - Spanish Version
Medline Plus-Heart Failure - Spanish Version
American Heart Association - Spanish Version
American Lung Association
American Lung Association - Spanish Version
The American Lung Association website provides information on asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses, ways to stop smoking as well as in-depth information on ongoing clinical trials.
MedlinePlus COPD - Spanish Version
American Thoracic Society
An international medical association dedicated to advancing clinical and scientific understanding of pulmonary diseases, critical illnesses, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
Patient Resources - Spanish Version
Caregiver Stress and Coping
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance - Spanish Version
The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) provides tips for caregivers on managing their health and reducing stress.
800-272-3900
Alzheimer's Association Helpline
Alzheimer's Association Helpline - Spanish Version
The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline provides caregiving tips and emotional support to people caring for a family member or friend with memory problems. Free phone line and chat services are available around the clock, 365 days a year.
Caregiver Tips for Home Activities and Daily Tasks
AARP Keeping Loved Ones Active
AARP Keeping Loved Ones Active – Spanish Version
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides tips for caregivers on home activities for care partners that support social connection and brain health.
9 Cognitively Stimulating Activities You Can Do At Home
Alzheimer’s San Diego provides tips for caregivers on home activities for care partners with memory problems.
COVID-19: Avoiding Scams
FTC: Avoiding COVID-19 Scams - Spanish Version
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides information on scams related to COVID-19, as well as a form for reporting scams.
COVID-19: Caring for Yourself and Others
COVID CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has up-to- date information on keeping yourself and those you care for as safe and healthy as possible regarding COVID-19.
COVID-19: Chronic Disease
This page offers tips and information from the CDC on COVID-19 and chronic conditions.
COVID-19: General Resources
If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone This link offers a step-by-step guide to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.
YouTube Video - COVID-19 - English Version
Watch this video message from CDC’s Director for the Division of Human Development and Disability to learn more about COVID-19 and older adults.
Epilepsy
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Epilepsy and Seizures
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Mayo Clinic
This site contains a variety of information about many conditions from nutrition to research. The website also features news, risk tests, statistics, and recipes.
WebMD
WebMD: Coronary Artery Disease - Spanish Version
Mental Health
HelpGuide
A nonprofit mental health and wellness website that offers education and guidance around physical and emotional well-being, relationships, and healthy aging.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
800-950-6264
National Alliance on Mental Illness - Spanish Version
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.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Spanish Version
If you or someone you know is in crisis—whether they are considering suicide or not—please call the toll-free Lifeline at 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
Driving
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
AOTA's nationwide database of driving programs and specialists can help you locate services near you. If you cannot find a driving specialist or program here, please contact your local rehabilitation hospital's occupational therapy department for assistance.
Occupational therapists with such specialized training in driver rehabilitation are able to identify not only a driver's strengths but also the physical, visual, and cognitive challenges the individual faces. As a result, occupational therapists can evaluate an individual's overall ability to operate a vehicle safely and, if needed, recommend ways to limit risks.
Dementia and Driving
Family Caregiver Alliance: Dementia and Driving
ALZ.org: Dementia and Driving
Driving requires the ability to react quickly to a variety of circumstances. Because of this, a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia will, at some point, be unable to drive. Provides tips, and resources for planning ahead which can help ease the transition.
Resources for Senior Driving
AAA: Senior Driver Safety & Mobility
Learn more about senior licensing laws, driving safety, mobility, and Roadwise Driver programs for senior drivers specific to their state.
Home Modification, Special Equipment & Mobility Aids
Centers for Independent Living
The term "center for independent living" means a consumer- controlled, community-based, cross-disability, a nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services. A CIL provides, at a minimum, the following core services: information & referral, independent living skills training, individual and systems advocacy, peer counseling, transition assistance from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based residences, assisting individuals to avoid institutional placement, and transition of youth with significant disabilities after completion of secondary education to post secondary life.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage
Medicare: Durable medical equipment coverage - Spanish Version
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor prescribes it for use in your home. DME that Medicare covers includes, but is not limited to blood sugar test strips, canes, commode chairs, hospital beds, patient lifts, and wheelchairs & scooters.
Aging In Place: Home Modifications
Stay in the home where you’ve made a lifetime of memories. A well- adapted home works for all generations, including seniors who are aging in place.
Homes for Our Troops
Provides assistance to severely injured Veterans and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials, and professional labor to coordinate the process of building a home that provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently.
National Association of Home Builders
800-368-5242
The industry group offers a certified aging-in-place specialist 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.
A Guide To Certified Aging In Place Specialists
Rebuilding Together
A national network of nonprofit organizations that helps low-income families with free home modification and repair services.
Home Safety & Fall Prevention
ALZ.org: Home Safety - English Version ALZ.org: Home Safety - Spanish Version
People with Alzheimer's can live in their homes, as long as safety measures are in place. As Alzheimer's progresses, a person's abilities change. But with some creativity and problem-solving, you can adapt the home environment to support these changes.
Provides tips.
ALZ.org: Wandering - English Version ALZ.org: Disorientation - Spanish Version
Wandering among people with dementia is dangerous, but there are strategies and services to help prevent it.
American Association of Poison Control Centers
American Association of Poison Control Centers - English Version
Fall Prevention
NCOA: 6 steps to help prevent falls - English Version Mayo Clinic: Simple tips to prevent falls - English Version
Information on helping older adults reduce the risk of falling in order to stay healthy and independent as long as possible. Provides some common factors that can lead to a fall.
Information on gun safety
· Alzheimer's Association Firearm Safety - English Version
· Aging In Place: Older Adult and Gun Ownership - English Version
In-home Care & Respite care (Using and Finding Respite Care)
Home Health Compare
Medicare: Find & compare providers near you - English Version Medicare: Find & compare providers near you - Spanish Version Search tool that lets you find and compare Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area, with information on services provided and patient ratings.
National Adult Day Services Association
National Adult Day Services Association - English Version 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.
National Respite Network and Resource Center (ARCH)
National Respite Network & Resource Center - English Version 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.
Senior Corps
800-942-2677
AmeriCorps Senior Corps Program
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.
Hospice and Palliative Care
Get Palliative Care
Get Palliative Care - English Version Get Palliative Care - Spanish Version
A directory from the nonprofit Center to Advance Palliative Care that lets you search for providers of palliative care in your area.
Hospice Compare
Medicare: Find Hospice Care Near Me - English Version Medicare: Find Hospice Care Near Me - Spanish Version
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.
Hospice Foundation of America
800-854-3402
Hospice Foundation of America - English Version
Professional organization for hospice providers that offers practical tips and advice on family caregiving and hospice.
Housing & Food Resources
National Shared Housing Resource Center
National Shared Housing Resource Center - English Version The National Shared Housing Resource Center (NSHRC) is a
network of independent non-profit home-sharing programs across the United States. A person offers a private bedroom and shared common area in exchange for rent, help around the house, or a combination of the two.
Senior Housing
Senior Housing - English Version
Provides information on types of housing and care and other elderly care information.
Find Your Local Food Bank
Feeding America: Finding your local food bank - English Version Feeding America: Spanish Version
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger. Contact your local community food bank to find food or click here to read about public assistance programs.
Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America - English Version
National Information and Resources
Eldercare: Resources Food & Nutrition - English Version
Veterans Administration Specially Adapted Paraplegic Housing Grant
VA.gov: Housing Grants - English Version
Veterans Administration keywords: Disability housing grants for Veterans. This grant provides grants to build or remodel a home to accommodate the special disability needs of Veterans.
Insurance
Appealing a health plan decision
Healthcare.gov: Appeal Insurance Company Decision - English Version
Healthcare.gov: Appeal Insurance Company Decision - Spanish Version
Insurance Denials & Appeals
Patient Advocate: Insurance Denials & Appeals - English Version
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP offers local insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare recipients and their families, and caregivers.
Seniors Resource Guide
Senior Resource Guide to Explore States - English Version Explore Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Legal & Financial Help
BenefitsCheckUp®
BenefitsCheckUp® is a free service of the National Council on Aging has a comprehensive online tool that connects older adults with benefits you or your loved one may qualify for. See if you are eligible for benefits to pay for food, medicine, rent, and other daily expenses. To view the Spanish version click on the menu in the upper right corner and select Espanõl.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
A 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.
WISER (Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement)
Financial Steps for Caregivers: What You Need to Know About Money and Retirement is designed to help you identify financial decisions you may face as a caregiver. The decision to become a caregiver can affect both your short-term and long-term financial security, including your own retirement.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
Alzheimer’s Association LGBT Resources
ALZ.org: Get involved with your local Chapter - Spanish Version
Contains information on support groups and a community forum for the LGBT community and its allies. Also contains a video on the basics of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and LGBT caregiving concerns.
CenterLink—the Community of LGBT Centers
Contains location information on LGBT Community Centers across the U.S. (and in other countries). Offers technical assistance, leadership training, and networking opportunities to these centers.
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
800-455-4523
GLAD.org: Standing up for equality and justice for all - Spanish Version
Advocates for LGBT people by working to end discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation through litigation, public policy advocacy, and education.
Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality (previously known as the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association)
202-600-8037
Association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer healthcare professionals. Contains a searchable online provider directory of primary care providers, specialists, therapists, and dentists who self-identify as trusted partners for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Immigration Equality
Advocates for LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrant rights through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation.
Lambda Legal
866-542-8336
Defends the rights of LGBT and HIV-positive seniors who face discrimination related to their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status, including discrimination at senior centers; denial of housing; denial of ability for same-sex couples to share a room in an assisted living facility or nursing home; and denial of equal Social Security benefits and survivor benefits.
National Black Justice Coalition
202-319-1552
A civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS.
National Center for Lesbian Rights
Legal helpline 800-528-6257
NCLR: Get help - Spanish Version
Focuses on LGBT equality by advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families. Provides free legal assistance to LGBTQ people and their legal advocates; and conducts community education on LGBTQ issues.
National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
NRC on LGBTQ&Aging: Libary - English Version
An online clearinghouse of educational resources related to LGBT aging that includes resources for caregivers. Provides information on health care, LGBT community centers, housing services and locators, and more.
SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders) & SAGE Caregiver Resources
LGBT Elder Hotline 888-234-SAGE or email SAGE@LGBThotline.org
SAGE Resources on Caregiving - English Version
LGBT aging organization that provides direct services in New York City and across the country through a network of SAGE affiliates. The SAGE Hotline offers peer-support. Also provides counseling, information, support groups, and more to LGBT caregivers.
Transgender Law Center
877-847-1278
Focuses on changing law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
Managing Behaviors Common in Dementia
Behavior Issues
Aggression and Anger
ALZ.org: Aggression - Spanish Version
Anxiety and Agitation
ALZ.org: Anxiety and Agitation - Spanish Version
Common Medical Problems in AD
NIH.gov: Common Medical Problems - Spanish Version
Overview of acute conditions e.g. constipation, dehydration, UTI, etc. that might trigger or exacerbate behavior problems in dementia.
Depression
Hallucinations
ALZ.org: Hallucinations - Spanish Version
Memory Loss and Confusion
ALZ.org: Memory loss and confusion - Spanish Version
National Institute on Aging- Complex Changes In the Brain
The tips found here can help caregivers cope with behaviors like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Repetition
UCSF Memory & Aging Center Resource on Behavior and Personality Changes
Education on different behavior problems that are common in dementia and strategies to help caregivers cope with them.
UCLA Caregiver Training Videos
Series of videos demonstrating how caregivers can manage challenging behaviors in dementia.
MedicAlert Safe Return
A 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's or a dementia-related disease who wander or have a medical emergency.
Managing Daily Care
ALZ.org: Daily Care
A person living with dementia will eventually need assistance with daily living. Provides information on caregiving skills so you can adapt routines and activities as needs change. Provides a variety of ideas such as daily care plans, incontinence, bathing, dressing and grooming, and dental care.
Caregiver videos
Family caregiver webinars are for family members, partners, and friends caring for a loved one living with a chronic or disabling health condition. They are listed under the following categories: daily care, planning for care, and self-care.
Next Step in Care
Next Step in Care: Videos - English Version
Next Step in Care provides easy-to-use guides and videos to help family caregivers and healthcare providers work closely together to plan and implement safe and smooth transitions for chronically or seriously ill patients. Transitions are moves between care settings, for example, hospital to home or rehab facility, or the start or end of home care agency services.
Bathing Without a Battle
Free online training course (2-2.5 hours) that offers techniques on how to help create a better bathing experience for people with dementia.
CurePSP ‘How To’ Videos (strategies for people with mobility limitations)
Short videos with strategies on how to assist people with mobility limitations with daily care tasks (e.g. eating, dressing, walking) and what to do in case of a fall.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) Caregiver College
Series of videos with strategies on how to manage daily care tasks and challenging behaviors in dementia.
Information on Dressing and Grooming
ALZ.org: Dressing - Spanish Version
Conversations with Caregivers
Series of videos featuring family caregivers discussing their experiences with managing common caregiving challenges.
Medication Safety
Provides information on the importance of understanding medication to its purpose and proper usage in order to ensure individuals living with dementia take medications as directed.
Caregiverʼs Guide to Medications and Aging
Caregiver's guide to medications and aging - Spanish Version
This fact sheet serves as a caregiver’s guide to medication use and
provides tips on what to do about the challenges of that use.
Videos on Medication Management for People with Dementia
Medication Management Basics
1. Round Up Those Meds
Round Up Those Meds 1 - English Version
Round Up Those Meds 1 - Spanish Version
·2. Talk to Health Professionals
Talk to Health Professionals 2 - English Version
Talk to Health Professionals 2 - Spanish Version
3. Set Up a Dosage System
Set Up a Dosage System 3 - English Version
Set Up a Dosage System 3 - Spanish Version
4. Create a Medication List
Create a Medication List 4 - English Version
Create a Medication List 4 - Spanish Version
5. Medication Management for People with Dementia
Medication Management for People with Dementia 5 - English Version
Medication Management for People with Dementia 5 - Spanish Version
Medicare & Medicaid (How to Enroll)
Medicare
800-633-4227
Get Started - How to Enroll in Medicare - Spanish Version
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.
How and when to apply for Medicare - English Version
Medicare: How it works and how to sign-up - Spanish Version
Medicaid
877-267-2323
Service Centers of Medicare & Medicaid PDF - Spanish Version
Medicaid provides health coverage for people with limited income and assets, and unlike Medicare, can help pay for long-term care such as in a nursing home. Medicaid coverage differs from state to state. Contact your state agency with questions.
Resources by State - English Version
How-To Information - Medicaid & CHIP - English Version
Military Caregivers
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
855-260-3274
VA Resources - Spanish Version
VA Caregiver Support Program
VA Caregiver Support Program - Spanish Version
The federal agency responsible for providing health care services and other vital benefits to eligible U.S. military veterans has a Caregiver Support Program that offers peer support, mentoring, caregiver training programs, and a helpline.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
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.
Military One Source
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.