Caregivers Can Call 211 for Help in 10 New States

Caregivers often feel overwhelmed. Balancing work, child care, their own health issues and caregiving for a loved one can leave them floundering in a sea of responsibilities.

But a program to help caregivers and others find state and local resources to support them is expanding to 10 additional states. By calling 211, caregivers can connect to specialists who can help them find resources for food, clothing, medical care and transportation assistance in their community.

More than 200 call centers around the country answer 211 calls and field requests for social support. AARP and United Way partner to manage the Caregiver Support Program in about 80 of those centers in 32 states and Puerto Rico. Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina and regional support in California and Colorado are the latest states to offer caregiver-focused support through the 211 helpline. The service is free, confidential, runs 24/7 and is available in 180 languages. The program has helped more than 2.5 million caregivers access AARP resources and local services.

Existing participating states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming, with regional service in parts of Florida, Georgia, New York, Ohio, Texas and Utah. The program is also offered in Puerto Rico. Program availability by state can be found here.

Expanded program supports growing number of caregivers

About 63 million caregivers in the U.S. are providing care to adults and children, a 45 percent increase over a decade, according to a 2025 joint report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

“Caring for parents, spouses and other adult loved ones is a labor of love — but it can also be a tremendous challenge,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. “Through this expansion of 211, we’re making it easier for family caregivers to find the help they need, when and where they need it.”