AARP has a dedicated, toll-free family caregiving line for people taking care of a loved one. Agents can’t provide specific advice to callers, but they can suggest resources on a variety of caregiving topics.
Along with comprehensive coverage of issues affecting caregivers, AARP offers free care guides, legal checklists, information on care options and an online community that supports all types of family caregivers. You can also call our caregiver support line for one-on-one help.
Agents are Available on Weekdays, Monday-Friday from 4am-8pm PST / 7am-11pm EST
English: 1-877-333-5885
En Español / Spanish: 1-888-971-2013
NEW: CONNECTIONS WEBSITE
https://aarpcommunityconnections.org
NEW: MUTUAL AID GROUPS – Informal groups of volunteers that band together to find effective ways to support those people most in need who live in their local community. Mutual aid can include picking up groceries, providing financial assistance, or lending emotional support to your neighbors. Visit https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/find-group/
Q: How can I find support groups for family caregivers? English. En Español / Spanish.
A: Here are some resources
Finding the Right Support Group – Read this First. An excellent article about the types of support groups available. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/support-groups.html.
Benefits of support groups may include but not be limited to: a safe place for sharing, venting, validating, comparing, uniting, advocating, finding social connection, and building community.
Caregiving.com – Caring for you as you care for family. Online calendar of virtual support events: https://www.caregiving.com/calendar/
Community Resource Locator – an online database from AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association, provides easy access to a variety of local programs, resources and services. https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/
Family Care Navigator – the Family Caregiver Alliance’s tool that helps locate state-by-state assistance for family caregivers. 800-445-8106. https://www.caregiver.org/family-care-navigator
The Eldercare Locator – a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that connects you to services for older adults and their families such as respite care, insurance counseling, transportation and other services for older Americans and family members. They can also be reached at 1-800-677-1116. https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
AARP Caregiving Community Forum – an online discussion and support forum on all topics related to caregiving. https://community.aarp.org/t5/Caregiving/Welcome-to-the-AARP-Caregiving-Community/m-p/1786782#M3126
Caregiver Action Network – Information, educational materials and support for family caregivers. Toll Free phone number: 855-CARE-640
National Alliance for Caregiving – a coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues. The alliance conducts policy analysis and tracks legislation and initiatives that affect caregivers and care recipients. Phone: 202-918-1013. https://www.caregiving.org
National Institute on Aging – an arm of the National Institutes of Health, NIA offers extensive online information on common age-related health problems, including a section on caregiving for people with serious health issues.. 800-222-2225. https://www.nia.nih.gov/
Well Spouse Association – provides support for spousal caregivers, including a national network of support groups and an online chat forum. 800-838-0879. https://wellspouse.org/
VA (Veterans Administration) National Caregiver Support Line (CSL) – serves as a primary resource/referral center to assist caregivers, Veterans, and others seeking caregiver information. VA’s Caregiver Support Line has licensed caring professionals standing by. The National Caregiver Support Line, at 1-855-260-3274, is open weekdays, Monday through Friday from 5am to 5pm PST. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp
Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving – Education, Research, Advocacy and more. http://www.rosalynncarter.org/
Alzheimer’s Association – Information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Operates a 24-hour helpline every day and offers care navigator tools. 800-272-3900. http://www.alz.org/
Alzheimers.gov – a federal government website focusing on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, research and support, including resources for caregivers. 800-438-4380. https://www.alzheimers.gov
Memory Cafe Directory – lists more than 700 memory cafés offered in hospitals, libraries, senior centers and other facilities to help people with dementia and other cognitive issues, as well as their caregivers, combat social isolation and connect with others in similar situations. https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/
AARP care guides – FREE, in-depth information and advice on starting vital conversations with older family members, organizing important documents, assessing your loved one’s needs and finding key resources.
Prepare to Care: A Planning Guide for Families. Prepare to Care is also available in Spanish- and Chinese-language versions and editions tailored for Asian American and LGBT families. https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/caregiving/2018/02/prepare-to-care-guide-english-aarp.pdf
Military Caregiving Guide: For Veterans, Service Members and Their Families – A road map to meeting the unique challenges of caring for a wounded, ill or aging veteran or service member. AARP has also produced a tool kit for employers to help them accommodate and assist military caregivers in balancing workplace and caregiving responsibilities. https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/caregiving/2019/05/military-caregiving-guide-aarp.pdf
