How to Find Caregiver Resources in Your Area

Caregiving is a tough job. As a Caregiver, you’re tasked with an entirely different set of responsibilities, sometimes overnight, in addition to your regular daily life. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and can become very difficult to manage at times. How do you make it all work? Who can you turn to for assistance?

If you are a Caregiver, you should know that there are several federal, state, and local departments dedicated to providing caregivers with the resources they need. We’ve provided an overview of some of these organizations below.

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

The National Association of Area Agencies (N4A) is a conglomeration of the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). AAAs were formally established in the 1973 Older Americans Act (OAA) as the “on-the-ground” organizations charged with helping vulnerable older adults live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. To locate local area resources, you can use the N4A’s searchable database powered by Eldercare.gov. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Click here
  2. Enter your city/state or zipcode
  3. Click search

The result of this search will provide a list of available resources in your community with contact information, links to dedicated websites, as well as a brief description. You can locate an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) by using the Administration for Community Living’s database powered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To use ACL, follow the steps below:

  1. Click here
  2. Select your state from the drop down menu
  3. Choose your county

This search will provide you with a link to the website, as well as contact information for the state aging care office (if applicable), as well as the Area Agency on Aging.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides a single, coordinated system of information and access for individuals seeking long-term services and support. It is an initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services. To use this resource, follow the steps below:

  1. Click here
  2. Click on your state, then select your county
  3. Once the new window opens, review the available resources

Family Caregiver Alliance's Online Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver Online Group is an online network and safe space for families and other caregivers of adults with chronic debilitating health conditions to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of providing care for a loved one. To use the online support group, follow the steps below:

  1. Click here
  2. Subscribe online with your name and email address
  3. Enter the online community to find support from others and find more personalized resources

First and foremost, remember that you are not alone; there are tons of resources out there if you know where to look. Before you start your research, identify what questions you need answered, what types of resources you need and who will be the recipient of these resources- you or your loved one. Once you have answered these questions, begin your search and contact the appropriate office(s) for help.

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