Caregiver
resources
Real resources. Organized by what's actually going on in your life. Same structure as the CII – what's driving intensity up, what's holding it down. You can also search in your state, by condition, or by what's built for veterans. Find your state. Find your situation. Find what helps.
Resources
by state
Programs, paid family-leave laws, Medicaid waivers, and respite networks vary by state. Click your state on the map below to see what's available where you live.
Or pick from a list →
Resources
by drivers
Drivers are the parts of caregiving that are making things more intense. These can change from day to day or stay stuck for a while depending on your situation. Knowing what is driving your intensity can help you get connected to things – and people – that can offer support. Sometimes just knowing how to describe “what's what” for you can make things feel better.
- NPR – A Caregiver's Survival Guide Practical, compassionate advice for family caregivers – from setting boundaries to avoiding burnout.
- Get Palliative Care Find palliative care providers near you – helping manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – Fact Sheets Dozens of free fact sheets on caregiving topics – from specific conditions to legal and financial planning.
- National Institute on Aging – Caregiving Resources Comprehensive caregiving information from the National Institute on Aging, including condition-specific guidance.
- Dollar For Helps patients fight unfair medical bills – free service that has saved families millions in hospital costs.
- Caregiver Action Network – Financial Resources Financial and legal tools for caregivers, including guidance on managing costs and protecting yourself.
- USA.gov – Getting Paid as a Caregiver Overview of how to get paid for caregiving through Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance.
- RXOutreach.org Low-cost medications for uninsured or underinsured people – generics start at $20 for a 3-month supply.
- Needymeds.org Free database of drug assistance programs, disease-based assistance, and discount drug cards.
- RXAssist.org Directory of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs to help cover medication costs.
- Caregiver Action Network – All in the Family Ideas and tips for dealing with the family issues that come up around caring for a loved one.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – Caregiving with Siblings Strategies for navigating sibling dynamics and family disagreements in caregiving.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – Holding Family Meetings How to run a productive family meeting to coordinate care and reduce conflict before it escalates.
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers Evidence-based 6-week class that builds confidence and practical skills for the caregiving role.
- FAMS Program for Caregivers Free video-based caregiver education covering communication, managing emotions, and day-to-day care skills.
- National Institute on Aging – Caregiving Tips Research-backed guidance from the National Institute on Aging for family caregivers at every stage.
- Caregiver Action Network A comprehensive library of caregiver tools, tips, and resources – including peer connection and a help desk.
- Eldercare Locator Free national hotline to find local services – call 1-800-677-1116 for meals, rides, respite, and more.
- VA – Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers VETERANS: Stipend, healthcare coverage, and support for qualifying caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans.
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation – Care Groups VETERANS: Free peer-led mental wellness groups for military and veteran caregivers across the country.
- Lotsa Helping Hands Free tool for coordinating help from friends and family – meals, rides, tasks, and check-ins all in one place.
- Well Spouse Association Peer support specifically for those caring for an ill or disabled spouse or partner – support groups nationwide.
- Patient Advocate Foundation Free case management for patients and caregivers navigating insurance, financial assistance, and co-pay relief.
- National Council on Aging – Benefits CheckUp Search over 2,500 federal and state benefits programs – find out what you or your loved one qualifies for.
- USA.gov – Benefit Finder Federal benefit finder tool – answer a few questions to identify government programs you may be eligible for.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Available nationwide. Offers free, one-on-one counseling and assistance on all things Medicare.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – The Emotional Side of Caregiving Caregiving emotions from A–Z, with strategies for navigating each one and staying grounded.
- HelpGuide.org – Caregiver Stress and Caregiver Burnout Steps for managing caregiver stress and maintaining a sense of balance, joy, and hope in your life.
- Well Spouse Association Peer support specifically for those caring for an ill or disabled spouse or partner – support groups nationwide.
- Courage to Caregivers Free peer support and mental wellness resources for caregivers, including weekly support groups.
- Caregiver Action Network – Caregiver Help Desk Get answers from a real person – call or chat to connect with a caregiver specialist. 1-855-227-3640.
- ARCH National Respite Network Find respite care near you – real breaks for caregivers, from a few hours to extended stays.
- VA Respite Care for Caregivers VETERANS: Up to 30 days of respite care per year through VA for caregivers of eligible veterans.
- Eldercare Locator Free national hotline to find local services – call 1-800-677-1116 for meals, rides, respite, and more.
- 211.org Dial 2-1-1 or go online to connect to free local resources including food, transportation, and caregiver support.
- 988 Lifeline Free, confidential crisis support 24/7 – call or text 988 anytime.
- Veterans Crisis Line VETERANS: Free, confidential crisis support for veterans and their families – call 988 then press 1.
- Crisis Text Line Free 24/7 crisis counseling by text – text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained counselor immediately.
- NAMI Help Line Free support, information, and referrals from trained volunteers – call 1-800-950-6264, Mon–Fri.
- Parent/Grandparent Stress Line Free peer counseling for parents and grandparents under caregiver stress – staffed by others who've been there.
- Courage to Caregivers Free peer support and mental wellness resources for caregivers, including weekly support groups.
- Caregiver Action Network – I Have a Job and I'm the Caregiver Tips and tools for caregivers who are also managing a paying job – because two jobs is a lot.
- National Alliance for Caregiving – Working and Caring Resources for caregivers managing a paying job alongside their caregiving responsibilities.
- AARP – Working Caregivers & FMLA Understand your rights under FMLA and what job protections you have as a working caregiver.
- U.S. Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Official federal resource explaining your right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for caregiving.
- A Better Balance Use the 'Find Your State' tool to understand your workplace rights as a caregiver under state and federal law.
- The Caregiver's Voice – Speaking to Your Employer Practical tips for talking to your employer about what you need – without putting your job at risk.
- National Alliance for Caregiving – Working and Caring Resources for caregivers managing a paying job alongside their caregiving responsibilities.
- Family Values @ Work Advocates for paid leave and caregiver-friendly workplaces – find out what your state requires.
Resources
by buffers
Buffers help reduce the intensity of caregiving. If these things are going ok for you, or are at least better than the hardest parts of caregiving (we call these Drivers), then we want to support you in getting more of them or shoring up the ones you have. You can always check in to see your top buffers by clicking here to get your Intensity Score.
- NPR – A Caregiver's Survival Guide Advice from others who get it, organized by common caregiving chapters – navigating healthcare and self-care.
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation – Caregiver Journey Map VETERANS: Interactive map of the key experiences military and veteran caregivers go through.
- The Conversation Project – Conversation Starter Guide Free downloadable guides to start the conversation about end-of-life care wishes – before you're in crisis.
- Talk Early Talk Often Tools and resources for planning ahead with aging loved ones – the best time to talk is before you have to.
- Ariadne Labs – What Matters to Me Workbook A free workbook helping people with serious illness clarify what matters most to their care team.
- Get Palliative Care – What is Palliative Care? Clear explanation of palliative care and how it can improve quality of life alongside any treatment plan.
- FindHelp.org Resources in your area, including access to help paying bills and food assistance.
- AARP – Getting Paid as a Caregiver Info on getting paid as a caregiver through Medicaid, Veterans benefits, and Long Term Care Insurance.
- Medicare.gov – Medicare Premium Estimator Official Medicare tool to estimate your monthly premiums based on your income and situation.
- Oklahoma State – Getting Started with Financial Caregiving Tips for talking about money and financial-planning worksheets to save or print.
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation – Respite Relief Program VETERANS: Free respite care for military and veteran caregivers through the EDF program.
- Lotsa Helping Hands Tool for organizing caregiving help for a loved one or family member.
- Eldercare Locator Finds trustworthy resources near you for things like meals, home care, transportation, and respite.
- CaringBridge A free online tool that gives one place to post updates on your caregiving reality, letting people know how best to show up.
- Get Palliative Care – Palliative Care Provider Directory Find palliative care providers near you, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home care.
- Patient Advocate Foundation Provides free case management to patients and families living with a serious or chronic health condition.
- FindHelp.org Resources in your area, including access to healthcare assistance.
- AARP – What is Medicare Summary of Medicare and how to access it.
- Benefits Checkup A resource for seeing what benefits you or your loved one qualify for.
- American Council on Aging – Medicaid Definitions An introduction to Medicaid and related programs.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Available nationwide. Offers free, one-on-one counseling and assistance on all things Medicare.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – Caring for Yourself Strategies and support for your well-being as a caregiver.
- FindHelp.org Search for free or reduced-cost local resources by zip code – food, utilities, transportation, and caregiver support.
- ARCH National Respite Locator A resource for finding respite services in your area to match your specific needs.
- HFC (Hilarity for Charity) Caregiver respite grants and support groups for Alzheimer's caregivers.
- CaringBridge A free online tool for building a community of support that can step up when you need time for you.
- Caregiver Action Network – I Have a Job and I'm the Caregiver Resources for caregivers balancing a job and caregiving responsibilities.
- AARP – Caregiving While Working Information about employee benefits and the law around caregiving.
- HealthWell Foundation – How Can I Juggle Work and Caregiving? Actionable options for caregivers seeking flexibility and support while balancing a job and caregiving.
- The Caregivers Voice – Speaking to Your Employer Practical tips and techniques for talking to your employer about caregiving support.
- National Alliance on Caregiving – Working & Caring Resources for managing a job and caring for a loved one.
- A Better Balance – Workplace Rights Hub Use the 'Find Your State' tool to learn about your workplace rights as you care for yourself and others.
Veterans
resources
If you're caring for a veteran – or a veteran caring for someone else – these national programs can help with respite, benefits, mental health, and peer support.
- VA Caregiver Support Program – Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 VETERANS: Central hub for all VA caregiver services – call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
- Wounded Warrior Project – Family & Caregiver Support VETERANS: Free programs for post-9/11 veteran families and caregivers – mental health, financial, and peer support.
- American Red Cross – Military & Veteran Caregiver Network VETERANS: Free peer support network connecting military and veteran caregivers – online groups and 1:1 mentoring.
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation – Hidden Heroes VETERANS: National advocacy and support organization for the 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S.
- American Red Cross – Hero Care Resource Directory Connects active military, veterans, and caregivers with free or low-cost local programs – food, legal help, home repair, financial advice, and more. Call 877-272-7337 or use the free Hero Care App.
- VA 411 (MyVA411) VETERANS: One number for VA benefits and services – call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-855-948-2311) to reach an expert on VA care, caregiver support programs, and benefits.
- EDF – The Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation Fund for Critical Financial Assistance VETERANS: Financial relief grants for military caregivers – medical bills, home repair, utility assistance, vehicle repairs, and more. Apply at hiddenheroes.org.
- EDF – Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community VETERANS: Moderated peer support community where military caregivers connect, share experiences, and get answers from those who've been there.
Resources
by condition
Disease-specific organizations often have the deepest caregiver expertise – helplines, navigators, support groups, financial aid, and education tailored to what you're managing.
- ALS Association – Caregiver Education & Support Caregiver education resources, support groups, and connections to local ALS care services across the country.
- I AM ALS – Patient & Caregiver Resources Patient- and caregiver-led community offering navigation support, peer groups, and connection to care teams across the country.
- Alzheimer's Association – 24/7 Helpline & Resources 24/7 helpline, local support groups, and care consultations for Alzheimer's caregivers – call 1-800-272-3900.
- Hilarity for Charity – Support Groups, Respite Grants & Education Free support groups, respite care grants, and brain health education for Alzheimer's caregivers.
- Leeza's Care Connection – Free Education & Support Free education, support groups, and practical guidance for caregivers of those with neurodegenerative diseases.
- Best Programs for Caregiving A tool for finding top-rated dementia caregiving programs near you.
- Cancer Support Community – Helpline & Support Groups Free support groups, education, and a caregiver helpline – call 1-888-793-9355 for immediate support.
- American Cancer Society – Caregiver Resources & 24/7 Helpline 24/7 helpline, transportation and lodging programs, and caregiver guides covering treatment, finances, and emotional support – call 1-800-227-2345.
- Triage Cancer – Legal & Financial Resources Free legal and financial education for cancer caregivers covering insurance rights and workplace protections.
- American Heart Association – Caregiver Support & Resources Resources for caregivers of those with heart disease or stroke, including peer support and practical guides.
- American Stroke Association – Resources for Family Caregivers Resources specifically for stroke caregivers, including recovery guidance and an online support community.
- Parkinson's Foundation – Care Partner Resources Comprehensive care partner resources from the Parkinson's Foundation, including a helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO.
- Michael J. Fox Foundation – Caregiver Resources Caregiver resources and research updates for those supporting someone living with Parkinson's disease.