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AARP's Key Resources and Answers for Caregivers Skip to content

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En español | Wherever you are along your caregiving journey, there are always new challenges and transitions. Connecting with basic support, training, technology and local resources is crucial — from long-distance caregiving to transportation options to local support groups.

AARP's Caregiving Question and Answer Tool provides key resources and practical tips for navigating your role as caregiver.



Getting Started Q & A Home

Q: How do I find local resources for caregiving, such as transportation, support groups, in-home care and home repair?

A: Eldercare.gov's 'Eldercare Locator' tool provides area-specific recommendations for services including home care, meal plans and transportation options. — Read full answer.

 

Q: How do I prepare for my own long-term needs?

A:  It is smart that you recognize the importance of thinking about your own long-term care. AARP has several guides and worksheets that can help.  — Read full answer.

 

Q:  How do I keep my loved one safe at home?

A:  You can go room by room to determine how safe it is by using the home safety checklist from AARP. — Read full answer.

 

Q: How do I continue to provide care while trying to take care of myself?

A: Put your physical and mental needs first. Eat well, get enough sleep and make time to exercise. Stay on top of your own health by getting regular checkups. — Read full answer.

 

Q: How can I get the person I am caring for to accept help?

A: Be open and honest and share your feelings. Present your concerns as just that — your concerns. Use others as examples to open the conversation or make your point. — Read full answer.

 

Q: How can I help my family member/friend with long distance care if I don’t live nearby?

A: Create a support team.  This team is made up of people who are in regular contact with your loved one. Include at least one person close by who can easily check in.  — Read full answer.

 

Q: How can I take time off work to care for my family member/friend?

A: Under the 'Family and Medical Leave Act,' eligible workers are entitled to 12 weeks per year of unpaid leave for family caregiving, without the loss of job security or health benefits.  — Read full answer.

 

Q: How can I deal with my family member/friend’s challenging behaviors?

A: You are not alone. Many other caregivers struggle with challenging behaviors. Find a support group in your community where you can meet other caregivers and share your experiences. — Read full answer.

 

Q:  How can I find support groups for family caregivers?

A: The Family Caregiver Alliance website has a family care navigator tool to help you locate resources, including support groups near you.  — Read full answer.

 

Q: Can I get paid to be a family caregiver?

A: It depends. Some states have programs that help people pay caregivers, including family members.  — Read full answer.

 

Q: Where can I find affordable transportation services for seniors?

A: For occasional trips, consider asking friends and family to volunteer. Depending on your loved one’s health and locale, public transportation can be a viable option.  — Read full answer.

 

Q. Where do I find training to do the different tasks that I am expected to do as a caregiver for my loved one?

A: There are a variety of organizations and online resources that offer training, workshops and education for family caregivers interested in strengthening their caregiving skills. — Read full answer.

 

Q: My family members don’t agree about how best to care for our loved one. What is the best way to work through this?

A: Speak with your parents, and decide what’s needed and plan who can take on which responsibilities. To make things flow more easily, create a schedule, and give all those involved a copy.  — Read full answer.

 

Q:  Is there any technology that will help me organize all the things I need to do for my loved one?

A:  Yes.  There is technology available via web and mobile devices that help caregivers organize tasks for their loved ones and themselves. — Read full answer.

 

Caregiver Resources Q & A Home

Caregiving Basics

About Caregiving: If you are new to caregiving, it is not uncommon to find yourself initially overwhelmed.  Use these recommended caregiving resources as an introduction to the role and responsibilities of a caregiver.

 

Caregiver Checklists

Well-Ordered Caregiving: Preparation and organization can be a caregiver's best friends. Here are a few recommended checklists to help you stay on top of a loved one's health and care.

 

Law and Money Affairs

Legal and Financial Caregiving: Managing the legal and financial affairs for a parent or loved one may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you think about caregiving, but the following money and legal resources may help to ensure their ability to cover the cost for their own long-term care. 

 

Benefits and Insurance

Informed Caregiving: Use the following caregiver resources to stay up to date on everyday information regarding health insurance and a variety of federal and state programs available to you, your parents or loved one.

 

Housing Options and Home Care

Living Arrangements: When it comes to eldercare, different forms of housing offer different levels of care.  So, what type of housing will best meet the needs of the person you are caring for? Use this list of caregiving resource as a guide to living options to help you select the ‘right’ housing solution.

 

Caregiving Support

Caregiver Care and Life: Caregiving can change the life of a caregiver almost overnight. Managing the daily care of a loved one and while simultaneously trying not to lose sight of one's own wellbeing. Use the following caregiving support resources as a starting point to guide you through various levels of coping strategies for caregivers.