Caregiver resource finder — national and state-by-state help

Reviewed by Dr. Carol Whitfield, MD, Board-Certified Geriatrician

Real help exists for family caregivers at national, state, and local levels, from support hotlines and respite care funding to adult day programs and meal delivery. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) is the single best starting point to find services matched to your parent's zip code and your specific needs.

If you're caring for an older relative, you're doing a job that most people don't realize is a job. Medical coordination, transportation, care management, maybe hands-on physical caregiving. You might be working a paid job at the same time. You're probably stretched too thin and occasionally desperate for someone to throw you a lifeline.

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 and what to ask for.

National Resources That Work Everywhere

The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov) is a service run by the ACL (Administration for Community Living) that connects you with resources in your specific area. You give them your parent's zip code and describe what you need, and they give you local contacts. If you don't know where to begin, start here.

The Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org) is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting family caregivers with information, support groups (in-person and online), educational programs, and practical resources. If you're just starting out and feeling overwhelmed, this is a solid first stop.

The Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) is particularly strong on elder caregiving, dementia caregiving, and caregiver health. Their website has fact sheets on different caregiving situations, an online support group directory, and practical guides. It is one of the best starting points for any elder caregiving question.

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

AARP's caregiver section (aarp.org/caregivers) has information, state-by-state resource listings, and often local support groups. According to AARP's 2020 report, more than 53 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers, and most have never been connected to formal support services. You don't need to be an AARP member to access their resources.

Condition-Specific National Resources

If your parent has a specific diagnosis, there's almost certainly a national nonprofit focused on it. The Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society: they all have caregiver resources, support groups, and condition-specific guidance. Search for the condition plus "caregiver support" and you'll find these organizations. They tend to be 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 federally funded and designed to be your one-stop connection for information about aging and disability services in your state. You can find your state's ADRC through the Eldercare Locator or by searching your state name plus "ADRC." They can connect you with Medicaid programs, respite care funding, caregiver support services, and local options you wouldn't find on your own.

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

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

Some states have specific caregiver support programs that are funded but not well-known. California has the California Caregiver Resource Centers. New York has its own Caregiver Resource Centers. Other states have similar programs. Your ADRC should know whether your state has one and how to access it.

If you're employed, ask your HR department whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Even if you've never used it, you might be eligible for caregiver resources, counseling, or referral services through that benefit.

Local Resources That Help Day-to-Day

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for your county is the on-the-ground resource that connects older people and their families with actual services. What's available varies 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 or by searching your county name plus "Area Agency on Aging."

Adult day programs are underused and genuinely helpful. According to the ACL, there are more than 7,500 adult day service centers operating in the United States. These programs operate during the day and offer socialization, structured activities, and meals for older adults. Your parent gets engagement and stimulation. You get several hours of breathing room. Your AAA can point you to options near you.

Meals on Wheels and similar meal delivery programs serve homebound older adults. Many are free or donation-based. If your parent has limited mobility or is struggling to eat properly, this can make a real difference in their nutrition and your peace of mind.

Adult day health programs are similar to standard adult day programs but designed for 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. Check with your AAA for what's available.

Support groups exist locally and can be found through your AAA, libraries, senior centers, hospitals, or condition-specific organizations. Some are for caregivers in general, some specific to conditions like dementia or Parkinson's, some specifically for adult children caring for parents. Finding the right group can change how you experience caregiving.

Finding These Resources

The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov) is the starting point. Beyond that, the National Care Planning Council (longtermcarelink.net) maintains a database of resources by state.

Search directly for what you need in your area: "respite care near me," "adult day programs" plus your county, "caregiver support groups" plus your city. Local resources are often easier to find through direct search than through national databases.

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

Making These Resources Work for You

Don't try to use everything at once. Start with one or two things that address your biggest needs. Maybe that's joining a support group because 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 each week. Maybe it's calling the Eldercare Locator to figure out what even exists in your area.

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

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

Caregiving is too much for one person, and using support services isn't a sign that something went wrong. These resources exist because the people who built them understood that caregivers need help too. Using them is the thing that lets you keep going.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for these caregiver resources?
Many are free. The Eldercare Locator, AAAs, ADRCs, and national support hotlines cost nothing. Adult day programs, respite care, and meal delivery vary: some are free or donation-based, some are subsidized on a sliding scale, and some charge fees that may be covered by Medicaid or other programs. Your ADRC can clarify costs for your specific situation.

What if my parent doesn't qualify for Medicaid but we still can't afford care?
This is common. Many families fall in the gap between Medicaid eligibility and being able to comfortably pay out of pocket. Your AAA can connect you with sliding-scale programs, community-funded services, and nonprofit assistance that doesn't require Medicaid. Veterans benefits, state-specific programs, and condition-specific nonprofits are also worth exploring.

How do I find out what my specific state offers for caregivers?
Start with the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or search for your state's ADRC. AARP also maintains state-by-state caregiver resource guides at aarp.org/caregivers. Your state's Office on Aging website will list programs available in your area.

Are there resources specifically for long-distance caregivers?
Yes. The National Institute on Aging has a specific guide for long-distance caregiving. The Eldercare Locator can connect you with a geriatric care manager in your parent's area who can serve as your eyes and ears locally. Many support groups now operate virtually, which makes them accessible regardless of where you live.

What's the difference between an Area Agency on Aging and an Aging and Disability Resource Center?
AAAs are local (county-level) organizations that connect older adults with services in their immediate community. ADRCs are state-level information and referral centers designed to be a single entry point for aging and disability services. In practice, they work together, and calling either one will get you pointed in the right direction.