CAREGIVING

Voices

Elinor Ginzler

It Takes a 'Village'

By Elinor Ginzler

AARP independent living expert Elinor Ginzler tells how you can age in place, and all it takes is a "village."

Gail Sheehy

I Can't Do This Anymore

By Gail Sheehy

When you're worn out, fed up, and angry enough to scream, let it out then get help, says AARP Caregiving Ambassador Gail Sheehy.

Tools

benefits quick link

Benefits QuickLINK

Get help finding and enrolling in benefits programs for older adults and families with children.

disability insurance calculator

Disability Insurance Calculator

Calculate how much insurance you may need to cover expenses in the event of a disability.

View All Family Tools

Resources

wheelchair

AARP Caregiving Tool Kit

Caregivers can access our extensive toolkit filled with interactive features, such as expert videos, calculators, and worksheets. It's a convenient stop for the information you need to care for your loved one or to volunteer to help out a friend.

Get Organized!

Download our information form, which helps you identify where your most important papers are kept. This can save you added stress during an emergency.

Employers
Supporting Caregivers

What can employers do to help caregivers? Check out our tips, and forward them to your company's benefits coordinators.

Long-Distance Caregiving

As a long-distance caregiver, you can take some steps to make the job more manageable.

CAPS Locator

Find a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), an expert who helps caregivers remodel their homes to accommodate loved ones with special needs.

Per-State Average
Caregiving Costs

What is the average cost of nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, adult day-care centers, or home health-aide services in your state? Use our long-term care cost calculator to approximate your options.

A new, four-part series on HBO, THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT, documents familes coping with the disease and focuses on groundbreaking scientific research. Watch a series preview, listen to an exclusive interview with Maria Shriver, and find tips and resources to help care for your loved one.

senior woman looking out window

When Services
Get Slashed

By Barbara Basler

Across the nation, severe state budget cuts force families to make hard choices. Some elders go untended or feel isolated.

Andy Miyares at the Special Olympics

What Will
Happen to Andy?

Ana Maria Miyares worries about her disabled son's care after she and her husband are gone. Miyares can only hope that Andy will live an independent life, with help from his siblings. Watch now.

From the Online Community

Journal: jcofla

Journal: Caregiving
Read the events that led to jcofla’s crash course in caregiving.
Read Journal

Group: Caregiving

Group: Caregiving
When are powers of attorney necessary? Learn from others’ experiences.
Join Group

The New, Male Face of Caregiving

By Cathie Gandel

Male caretakers face many similar challenges as their female counterparts, including depression, stress, exhaustion, and little personal time. However, experts say men's response differs.

You as Your Parents' Guardian

By AARP Radio

Assuming guardianship of a parent can be the most trying step in providing the care your parents need. Differing state laws are part of the problem. Listen to what a panel of experts told AARP Radio.

Paying for Parents

By Beth Baker

Thirty states have statutes known as filial-support laws, which can force adult children to support their parents.

Are You Risking Your Own Retirement to Care for a Parent?

By Martha M. Hamilton

Caregivers spend money they saved for their own retirement on family members, often reducing their contributions to their IRAs or 401(k)s, or even going into debt.

A Doctor in the House

By Timothy Magaw

Doctors at Mount Sinai serve about a thousand homebound older patients, a fraction of the more than 100,000 people age 65 and older living in New York City who require, or would benefit from, this type of care.

Giving Vets a Little R&R

By Susan Q. Stranahan

More than 30,000 U.S. military personnel have been awarded the Purple Heart for combat injuries received during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. For many of those who endure months of rehabilitation and separation from family, a luxury vacation was a distant dream—until now.

More Caregiving Articles


AARP Member Benefits

Travel Discounts

Member Benefits: Cruise

Travel Discounts
AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia has deals on cruises, car rentals, airfare, hotels and vacation packages.

Health Products & Services
Insurance, med supplies & drug discounts.

Financial & Legal
Guidance for retirement planning.

Insurance Products
Exclusive products for AARP members.

More to Explore

senior woman playing video game

Video Games for Grownups 
Read our latest reviews—with adult players like you in mind—of video games across multiple platforms.

 

Travel Expert Peter Greenberg 
Are airlines giving you worry lines? Need the latest news on the best cruise? AARP.org travel columnist Peter Greenberg can help.

More on Leisure


More From AARP

Show Us Your Jalopy

Send us a picture of your car to show us why you deserve a new Ford Focus!

Member Discount

Save on summer essentials from the Everyday Savings Center powered by NextJump.

Reform Health Care

Millions of Americans are just one medical emergency away from financial ruin!

Vegas@50+

AARP presents Vegas@ 50+, our National Event, coming Oct. 22-24.

'Doughnut Hole' Help

Do you want to avoid the "Doughnut Hole"? Get help here.

Emergency Prepare

We'll show you easy ways to help neighbors get prepared for disasters.

Stonewall Riots

The gay-rights movement lit up one pivotal night; see the role Hispanics played.

Movies & Reviews

Join this group to discuss the movies and actors you love!

Need a Job?

You've come to the right place. Start your job search here on AARP.org.

Facebook Addict

They say you can't have too many friends. Who was he to prove them wrong?

Annual Reports

AARP’s annual reports are now available in a fully interactive format.

West Virginia

AARP will be vigilant for consumers as the state considers a utility rate hike.