Caregiving can feel isolating - like something you are figuring out on your own, one crisis at a time. In reality, there is a substantial network of organizations specifically designed to support family caregivers, and most of their resources are free.
This article is a straightforward guide to the most useful organizations and what each one offers.
Area Agency on Aging (Local)
Your local Area Agency on Aging is often the most practical starting point for caregivers because it connects you to resources specific to your community. According to the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a.org), local AAAs frequently offer or coordinate:
- Caregiver support groups
- Caregiver training and education
- Counseling and consultation
- Respite care referrals
- Benefits counseling
- Information and referral for local services
Services vary by location, but the AAA is generally the right first call for caregivers who are not sure where to start locally.
Find your local AAA at eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
AARP Caregiver Resource Center
AARP offers an extensive caregiving resource center at aarp.org/caregiving with practical guides, tools, and articles covering the full range of caregiving situations - from getting started to managing specific conditions to taking care of yourself.
AARP also operates a caregiver helpline through its general member services line where trained staff can answer caregiving questions and connect callers with resources.
AARP membership is not required to access most of the caregiving content on their site.
Family Caregiver Alliance
The Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive nonprofit organizations focused specifically on family caregivers. Their website offers:
- Fact sheets on caregiving topics, specific health conditions, and legal and financial issues - available in multiple languages
- A state-by-state resource finder that identifies local programs and services
- Guides on specific caregiving situations including long-distance caregiving, hired help, and late-stage care
Their content is well-researched and written specifically for family caregivers rather than healthcare professionals.
Caregiver Action Network
The Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org) focuses on peer support and community for family caregivers. Their resources include:
- Online peer support communities where caregivers connect with others in similar situations
- Educational materials and webinars on caregiving topics
- A Caregiver Help Desk that connects caregivers with trained staff who can help identify local resources
The peer connection aspect is what distinguishes CAN from more information-focused organizations - for caregivers who feel isolated, connecting with others who understand the experience can be genuinely helpful.
National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving (caregiving.org) is primarily a research and advocacy organization that focuses on understanding and improving the caregiving experience at a policy level. Their published research is useful for caregivers who want to understand the broader landscape - the scope of family caregiving, common challenges, and what the evidence shows about effective support.
For practical day-to-day caregiving help, their partner organizations (AARP, FCA, CAN) are generally more useful. But for anyone trying to understand caregiving as a whole - including caregivers navigating conversations with employers or policymakers - NAC's research publications are a solid reference.
Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) is a federally funded national directory operated by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. It connects caregivers and older adults to local services by zip code or city and state.
It is not itself a service provider - it is a connector. You enter your location, describe what you are looking for, and it points you to the local organizations that can help. For caregivers who do not know what is available in their community, this is often the fastest starting point.
Available online or by phone at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern.
211
Dialing 211 connects you to a local helpline with a database of social services in your community - including caregiver support programs, respite care, transportation, meal services, and more. Operators can help identify what is currently available and accepting referrals in your area.
Available in most parts of the country through 211.org or by dialing 211.
A Note on These Resources
The organizations listed here include nonprofit, government, and private entities. We aim to include only resources that are not paid services or paid advertisements, though we encourage you to review each organization independently. Caregiving is an area with many commercial services - home care agencies, care management companies, placement services - and there is nothing wrong with those options, but this article focuses on free resources available to any caregiver.
Your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you with caregiver support resources in your area at no cost. Find yours at eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.