Free Resources for Caregivers
Old age is not for sissies – and neither is the caregiver role. You are not alone. Below is a list of some of the wonderful resources for caregivers available (in no particular order):
Caregiver Support
The following ar great resources for support for caregivers.
National Alliance for Caregiving:
This coalition of national groups supports family caregivers and the professionals who help them.
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving:
This institute establishes local, state, and national partnerships committed to promoting caregiver health, skills, and resilience.
Well Spouse:
If you are a wife, husband, or partner, someone who is chronically ill and/or disabled, contact this national organization. They address issues common to family caregivers such as anger, guilt, fear, isolation, grief, and financial threat.
Caregiving.com:
This web community supports families and healthcare professionals who care for chronically ill or disabled family members.
Caregiver Action Network:
This network educates, supports, and empowers families who care for chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved ones.
The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA):
This alliance operates the National Center on Caregiving to develop support programs for family caregivers in nationwide.
CDC:
Find what you need to know about advance care planning.
Long-Term Care:
Long-Term Care gives you the basics about Medicaid, Medicare, where you live, how to decide, and how to pay your expenses.
Benefits Checkup:
Search the database of approximately 2,500 nationwide benefit programs to see which ones are available in your area.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization:
Committed to improving end-of-life care and expanding access to hospice care to significantly enhance the quality of life for people and their loved ones in the U.S.
Eldercare Locator:
The Eldercare Locator links people who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging and community-based organizations serving older adults and their caregivers. Call them if you need help with services such as meals, home care, or transportation, or if you are a caregiver who needs training, education, or a well-deserved break.
Adult Protective Services:
Adult Protective Services supports APS across the country. Their website provides a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult mistreatment.
National Institute of Aging:
This organization is a comprehensive index of health topics.
Today’s Caregiver:
This magazine offers topic-specific newsletters, online discussion lists, chat rooms, and an online store.
National Respite Coalition Network:
This network provides parents, caregivers, and professionals with information about respite services available in their local area.
AARP:
A comprehensive caregiving resource center, AARP addresses legal issues, long-distance caregiving, end-of-life issues, and more. Call toll-free 1-877-333-5885.
Shepherd’s Centers of America (SCA):
This interfaith organization coordinates nearly 100 independent Shepherd’s Centers across the United States to help seniors remain independent.
Nursing Home Compare:
Nursing Home Compare, sponsored by Medicare, offers information about the past performance of most nursing homes in the U.S
Grants for Seniors:
Grants for Seniors provides a wealth of information by state to help older adults with financial help, health care, help with rent, housing assistance, food assistance, transportaion assistance, health care, and more.
Medication
Check out these resources for caregivers.
ConsumerMedSafety.org:
This organization is part of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). They focus on helping consumers avoid mistakes when taking medicines.
MedicineNet:
Medicine Net offers health and medical information produced by doctors.
PDR.net:
The PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference) is the most trusted source for FDA-approved Drug Labeling for Physicians and Prescribers
RxList:
RxList is an Internet Drug Index for prescription and over-the-counter medications.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The FDA is a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Mesothelioma resource:
This non-profit provides patients and loved ones with resources, answers, and information about a wide variety of free assistance options.
Alzheimer’s Support
Are you a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s? These resources might be helpful.
Alzheimers.gov:
U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new website in 2021 designed to educate and support those whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The website serves as a federal government portal for dementia information and resources. LEARN MORE
Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. LEARN MORE
Alzheimer’s Support
Alzheimer Support is a free service that assists families who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Through their free search tool and nationwide database of 45,000 Alzheimer’s care facilities, families who need care for their loved ones can locate licensed care homes and communities best equipped to provide the necessary care. LEARN MORE
Disabilities
Below are resources for help with loved ones in need of accessibility,
The Administration for Community Living:
This organization provides a list of national and local organizations that support older adults and those with disabilities. Some organizations focus on a particular type of disability, age group, or type of service, whereas others have a more comprehensive mission.
Paralysis Community:
This resource, created by Christopher & Dana Reeve, is a safe and secure online social networking site with an active discussion area on many areas of paralysis, including caregiving.
Hiring and Management of Personal Care Assistants for Individuals with SCI:
Download this booklet from the SCI Project at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for information about everything from locating and hiring to training and paying personal assistants. Includes forms, checklists, and resources.
CareCure Forum:
CareCure is a forum for caregivers that offers an active and helpful message board for loved ones and caregivers of people living with paralysis.
Travel
Find information to make your travel easier.
Travel.State.Gov:
Find travel tips and suggestions for older travelers here. Topics include travel documents, staying connected, health information, pharmacies and medication, accessibility and accommodations, scam prevention, emergency preparedness,
LGBTQ Aging
Questions about aging as a member of the LGBTQ community?
Sage:
This national resource focuses on LGBTQ aging.
Addiction
Struggling with an addiction?
Addiction Center
Addiction Center strives to provide individuals with quality information and assistance in their struggle with addiction. Their primary mission is to ensure people looking for help have the tools and information to find it. LEARN MORE.
Check back often! We add frequently to the above resource list. If you successfully used a resource and would like to add it to our list, please email us or add it in the comment section below.
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Leslie Farin is the Publisher and Founder of 50PlusToday. She is an experienced communications and marketing professional passionate about working with older adults and their families. She works with a team of writers to provide essential and cutting-edge information related to the 50Plus community.
