This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation.

Caregiver Resource Finder — National and State-by-State Help

If you're a caregiver for an older relative, you're managing a job that most people don't realize is a job. You're doing medical coordination, transportation, care management, maybe hands-on caregiving. You might be working a paid job at the same time. You're probably feeling stretched too thin and occasionally desperate for help.

Resources exist. They're not always easy to find, and they're not always well-publicized, but they're out there. The challenge is knowing where to look. Some resources are national organizations that operate everywhere. Some exist only in your state. Some are condition-specific. Some are general caregiver support. This guide walks you through where to start looking and what you might find.

National Resources That Work Everywhere

The Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org) is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting family caregivers. They have information about caregiving, support groups (some in-person, many online), educational programs, and practical resources. If you're just starting out and feeling overwhelmed, this is often a good first place.

The Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) is another national nonprofit. They're particularly strong on elder caregiving, dementia caregiving, and caregiver health. They have a comprehensive website with fact sheets on different caregiving situations, an online support group directory, and practical resources. Their website is honestly one of the best places to start for any elder caregiving question.

The Caregiver Support Line (855-227-3640) is a national hotline you can call if you need someone to talk to or if you need to be pointed toward resources in your area. Calling this number connects you with someone who can listen and help you figure out what you need.

AARP has a caregiver section on their website (aarp.org/caregivers) with information about caregiving, state-by-state resources, and often local support groups. You don't need to be an AARP member to access this information.

Condition-Specific National Resources

If your parent has a specific diagnosis, there's probably a national nonprofit focused on it. Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society—they all have caregiver resources, support groups, and condition-specific information. Search for "[condition] + caregiver support" and you'll find these organizations. They're often more specialized and knowledgeable about the specific challenges of that condition than general caregiver resources.

State-Level Resources

Every state has an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). These are funded by the government and designed to be your one-stop shop for information about aging and disability services in your state. You can find your state's ADRC through the Eldercare Locator (see below) or by searching "[your state] ADRC." They can connect you with Medicaid, respite care funding, caregiver support services, and local options.

Many states offer Medicaid respite care programs. Respite care is temporary care that lets you take a break from caregiving—maybe a few hours a week, maybe a week. Some states fund this through Medicaid if you meet income guidelines. Some states have separate respite funding. Your ADRC can tell you whether your state has this and whether you qualify.

Your state's Office on Aging (sometimes called the Department of Aging or equivalent) administers aging services for the state. They can direct you to resources, funding, and programs. Finding your state office is usually as simple as searching "[your state] office on aging."

State employee assistance programs sometimes include resources for caregivers. If you're employed, ask your HR department whether your employer offers an EAP. Even if you're not a user of the EAP, you might be eligible for caregiver resources.

Some states have specific caregiver support programs. California has the California Caregiver Resource Centers. New York has the Caregiver Resource Centers. Other states have similar programs. These are often funded but not well-known. Your ADRC should know whether your state has one.

Local Resources That Actually Help Day-to-Day

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for your county is the on-the-ground resource. They connect older people and their families with services in the area. Services vary by county and state, but can include adult day programs, transportation, meal delivery, home health care, in-home services, and support groups. Find your local AAA through the Eldercare Locator (see below) or by searching "[your county] Area Agency on Aging."

Adult day programs are underused but genuinely helpful. These are programs that operate during the day where older people go for several hours a week to socialize, participate in activities, and receive meals. Your parent gets engagement and stimulation. You get several hours of respite care. These exist all over the country. Your AAA can point you to options.

Meals on Wheels or similar meal delivery programs serve homebound people. Many are free or donation-based. If your parent has limited mobility or is struggling to eat properly, this can help. Your AAA can connect you with the local program.

Adult day health programs are similar to adult day programs but focus on people with more medical complexity. They include health monitoring, medication management, and sometimes physical or occupational therapy. Insurance often covers these.

Transportation services exist in most areas for older people who can't drive. Some are free or subsidized. Some are volunteer-based. Many won't take just anyone,they're often for people who are homebound or disabled. Check with your AAA.

Support groups exist locally. You can find them through your AAA, libraries, senior centers, hospitals, or condition-specific organizations. Some are for caregivers in general. Some are specific to conditions like dementia or Parkinson's. Some are for adult children caring for parents. Some are for spouses. Finding the right group can be transformative.

Finding These Resources

The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov) is a government service that will connect you with resources in your specific area. You tell them your parent's zip code and what you need, and they give you local contacts. Start here if you don't know where to begin.

The National Care Planning Council (www.longtermcarelink.net) maintains a database of resources by state. Not everything is on there, but it's a starting point.

Google your area and the specific thing you need. "respite care near me," "adult day programs [county]," "caregiver support groups [your city]." Local resources are often easier to find through direct search than through national databases.

Call 211. In most areas, dialing 211 on your phone connects you with United Way's information and referral service. They know local resources and can direct you to what you need.

What To Do With These Resources

First, don't try to use everything. You'll burn out. Start with one or two things that address your biggest needs. Maybe that's joining a support group if you need someone who understands what you're going through. Maybe it's getting an adult day program set up so you get a few hours of respite per week. Maybe it's using the Caregiver Action Network website to read about something specific you're struggling with.

Resources are most helpful when they're specific and ongoing. One conversation with someone at an ADRC is helpful. Joining a regular support group and going every week is more helpful. Getting a meal delivery program set up is more helpful than a one-time consultation.

You don't need to figure this all out at once. Start with one resource. Use what helps. Then expand from there.

The truth is that caregiving shouldn't be something you do alone. It's too much for one person. These resources exist because people recognize that caregivers need support, information, and a break. Using them isn't weakness. It's the thing that lets you keep going.

How To Help Your Elders is an informational resource for families working through aging and elder care. We are not medical professionals, attorneys, or financial advisors. The information provided here is for educational purposes and should not replace professional consultation. Every family's situation is unique, and rules, costs, and availability vary by location and circumstance.