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.

Emergency Contacts and Crisis Resources — The Numbers to Know

There are moments when you need help immediately. Your parent has fallen and won't respond. They're talking about harming themselves. You're exhausted from caregiving and don't think you can make it through another day. You find an empty prescription bottle that should still be full. In these moments, you need to know who to call and what to expect when you call them. Having these numbers written down—not just saved in your phone, but written down somewhere visible like on the refrigerator—means you can find them without thinking clearly when you're panicked.

This guide walks you through the immediate-crisis calls (like 911 and poison control), connects you with crisis lines specifically for caregiver support, and includes the aging-specific helplines that exist to help families exactly like yours. Some of these resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some are available during business hours. All of them exist because people exactly like you have called before, and the organizations running these lines have learned what helps.

When You Need Immediate Emergency Response

911 is always your first call for immediate medical emergencies, severe injuries, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or any situation where life is at risk. Don't hesitate because you're worried about the cost or because you're not sure if it's "bad enough." Your parent's safety is what matters most. When you call 911, explain the situation clearly. The dispatcher will ask questions to understand what kind of help is needed and where to send it. Stay on the line until help arrives. If your parent is experiencing a medical emergency, 911 is the right call, and the ambulance won't judge whether the problem was serious enough.

National Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222. If your parent has taken an overdose of medication (intentionally or by accident), ingested a toxic substance, or is experiencing symptoms that suggest poisoning, call Poison Control immediately. They're experts in determining whether something is actually dangerous or if your parent just needs monitoring at home. You don't have to go to the emergency room for every poison exposure, and they can guide you on the right next steps. Have the substance container nearby when you call,they'll want to know exactly what was taken and how much. This line is available 24/7 and is completely free to call. Poison Control can also advise on accidental overdoses of medications, which happen more often than people realize, especially when older adults are managing multiple medications.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. If your parent talks about wanting to end their life, if they've expressed that life isn't worth living, or if you notice sudden changes in behavior that concern you, call 988. You can also text "HELLO" to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line if your parent won't talk on the phone. These trained counselors can help assess the level of danger and connect your parent with local resources. Calling doesn't mean your parent will be forced into hospitalization,many people call when they're struggling and get support that helps them feel less alone. Depression and suicidal thoughts in aging are serious and treatable. If your parent is expressing hopelessness, reaching out for help matters.

Caregiver-Specific Crisis Support

Caregiver Crisis Hotline: 1-855-227-3640. This is the National Alliance on Mental Illness's caregiver support line, and it exists for those moments when you as the caregiver are overwhelmed. Maybe you're exhausted, you've snapped at your parent unfairly, or you're having thoughts that scare you. These trained peer supporters understand what caregivers go through. They listen without judgment. They can help you work through a difficult moment and sometimes connect you with local resources. This line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. If you're struggling as a caregiver, calling to talk to someone who understands is exactly what this service is for.

After-Hours Nursing Hotline. If your parent is having a medical problem that doesn't feel like 911 but does feel urgent, you can call their doctor's office and ask for the after-hours line. Most medical practices have an on-call nurse who can answer questions about symptoms, medication concerns, and whether the situation warrants an emergency room visit. This helps you avoid unnecessary trips to the ER while making sure serious problems are addressed. Have your parent's date of birth and a list of current medications ready when you call so the nurse can assist more efficiently.

Aging-Specific Helplines That Know Your World

Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. This is your connection to your local Area Agency on Aging and other aging services. If you need to find resources, understand eligibility for services, or locate a specific program, call this number. They can also connect you with crisis counseling if you're struggling as a caregiver. This is a good number to have for non-emergency, informational calls during business hours. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Think of this as your general reference line for the aging services system.

Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900. If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, this organization offers 24/7 support. You can call with questions about dementia care, behavioral challenges, medication concerns, or emotional support. They can connect you with support groups, both in-person and online. Even if your parent's diagnosis isn't certain yet, calling to ask about memory concerns is appropriate. This line is available in multiple languages and staffed by people who specialize in dementia support. The Alzheimer's Association also offers online resources, publications, and support groups specifically for dementia caregivers.

Caregiver Action Network Crisis Support: Available through their website and phone resources. The Caregiver Action Network focuses on unpaid family caregivers like you. Beyond their hotline, they offer webinars, support groups, and resources specifically designed for people caring for aging parents. Their website is a good place to learn about caregiver respite programs in your area (services that give you a break from caregiving) and to connect with other caregivers facing similar situations.

Transportation in Non-Emergency Situations

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation. Many communities offer medical transportation for seniors,rides to doctor appointments and medical facilities. To find this in your area, call your Area Agency on Aging or your local county health department. Some programs are free for low-income seniors; others charge a small fee. Having this resource means your parent doesn't miss appointments and you don't have to arrange transportation yourself when that's difficult, which can be a real issue if you're working full-time or if your parent's appointment is far away.

Local Ride Programs for Seniors. Beyond medical transportation, many communities have programs specifically for seniors needing general transportation. Some are volunteer-based; others are subsidized. Your Area Agency on Aging can tell you what's available locally. These programs often make it possible for your parent to maintain independence and attend activities, social events, and errands even if driving is no longer safe.

When you're in crisis mode, it's hard to think clearly about which number to call. The fastest way to find local resources is to call your Area Agency on Aging or the Eldercare Locator. They know what exists in your parent's area and can direct you immediately to the right resource. For things like emergency Medicaid applications, emergency housing assistance, or other rapid help, they can often connect you within the same call.

Write these numbers down. Post them on your refrigerator. Have them in your phone with labels that are easy to find when you're panicked. Better yet, give them to your parent (if they're able to remember) and to any other family members who might need to help in a crisis. These services exist specifically for situations like yours. Using them is not failure; it's exactly what they're designed for. You're not burdening these services. You're using them for their intended purpose.

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.