Can you relate to the reality of caregiving as a complex juggling act where you are desperately trying to keep all the balls in the air? Feeling rising stress from trying to care for someone else and maintain your own life needs and responsibilities at the same time? You have come to the right place to find a carefully curated list of caregiver support and stress reduction resources at your fingertips.
We have done the research, because we know that caregiving leaves little time for that. This is article is for informational purposes only. Seek a licensed professional for medical or legal advice.
Local And Regional Caregiver Support Resources
- Area Agencies on Aging-This network of more than 600 organizations in the United States provides supportive services for individuals, 60 and older, and those who care for them. Your regional Area Agency on Aging can connect you to in-home respite (relief) care, individual counseling, local support groups and financial aid programs for caregiving. Find your nearest Area Agency on Aging using the search tool at Eldercare Locator.
- United Way 2-1-1-Utilize the convenient search tool on the national homepage to find the United Way 2-1-1 hotline for your area. Skilled hotline workers connect you with government and nonprofit entities in your region. These nonprofits offer adult day care, senior food supplements, transportation, and much more.
- Local Support Groups-If caring for someone with a specific condition such as Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Diabetes or Parkinson’s, contact local or state chapters of organizations that focus on those health issues. For individuals caring for a U.S. veteran, call the VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274,. Employees can let you know of related support groups near you, or in the case that not available in person, online support groups.
National Caregiver Support And Stress Relief Resources
- AARP Caregiving Resources-Information and connection are powerful and can help ease stress. AARP offers an online community for caregivers, as well as resource guides.
- Caregiver Action Network (CAN) -The Family Caregiver Toolbox offers practical caregiver support resources and connection to fellow caregivers. CAN also runs a free Caregiver Help Desk at (855) 227-3640 for anyone who wants to talk through a caregiving question with a real person.
- Family Caregiver Alliance®-The state-by-state resource locator finds local assistance resources for caregiving responsibilities. FCA also offers CareNav, a free personalized dashboard that brings your services, care plan, and resources into one place tailored to your specific caregiving situation.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support–Find Veteran-specific and general caregiving resources, peer mentoring, and a support line at 1-855-260-3274 (Mon–Fri 8am–10pm ET, Sat 8am–5pm ET). The VA also offers “Annie For Veterans,” a free text-messaging program with self-care tips, and Building Better Caregivers, a free 6-week online workshop on managing stress and difficult emotions.
Caregiver Mental Health Specific Resources
- Mental Health America (MHA)-A collection of resources aimed squarely at the emotional side of caregiving: recognizing burnout early, protecting your own mental health, and navigating what to do when caregiving starts affecting your work. Worth bookmarking.
- SAMHSA National Helpline-Free, confidential line, 1-800-662-4357, available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish. Built for mental health and substance use concerns, but it’s a legitimate option if caregiving stress has tipped into something you’re struggling to manage alone. The line provides referrals to local counseling and support groups regardless of ability to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early warning signs of caregiver burnout? Common signs include chronic exhaustion that doesn’t improve with sleep, increased irritability or impatience with the person you’re caring for, withdrawing from friends and activities you used to enjoy, changes in appetite or sleep, and a growing sense of resentment or hopelessness. Physical symptoms like frequent headaches or getting sick more often can also be your body signaling that stress has built up. Check this video out for some quick tips on combating caregiver burnout.
Why do I feel guilty when I take time for myself? Caregiver guilt is common and usually comes from an understandable but inaccurate belief that any time spent on yourself is time taken away from the person you’re caring for. In reality, caregivers who build in regular breaks tend to provide more patient, sustainable care over the long run.
How do I even ask family members for help with caregiving duties? Be specific rather than general about the needs. Instead of “I need more help,” try “Would you take Mom to her Tuesday appointments this month?” Specific requests are easier for people to say yes to than open-ended ones. It can also help to hold a family meeting to divide responsibilities by each person’s strengths and availability, and to revisit the plan periodically as needs change.
What financial assistance is available for caregiving expenses? Options include Area Agency on Aging programs (which vary by state), VA benefits for caregivers of eligible veterans, tax credits like the Child and Dependent Care Credit (which can sometimes apply to adult dependents), and condition-specific nonprofit grants (for example, through the Alzheimer’s Association). Family Caregiver Alliance’s state-by-state locator is a good starting point for finding what’s available specifically where you live.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get paid for taking care of a family member? In some cases, yes. Medicaid offers self-directed care programs in many states that allow eligible care recipients to pay a family member as their caregiver. The VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers also provides a stipend for caregivers of eligible veterans. Eligibility and payment structures vary significantly by state and program, so it’s worth checking directly with your state’s Medicaid office or the VA.
How do I balance caregiving with a full-time job? Start by checking whether you’re covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which can provide unpaid, job-protected leave for caregiving in qualifying situations. Talk to your HR department as some employers now offer caregiver-specific benefits like flexible scheduling or backup care services, even if they aren’t widely advertised. Mental Health America’s caregiver resources also address what to do specifically when caregiving starts affecting your work performance.
When should I consider assisted living or a nursing facility instead of continuing to provide care myself? This is a deeply personal decision, but it’s generally worth exploring when the level of care needed exceeds what’s safely manageable at home. For example, if there are frequent falls, wandering, medical needs beyond what you’re equipped to handle, or if your own health is declining as a result of caregiving it is time to consider something different. A geriatric care manager or your Area Agency on Aging can help assess needs objectively and walk through the full range of options, so you’re not making the decision alone or in crisis mode.
Want more helpful caregiving resources? Learn more about our Caregiving Tips and Tools Handbook.
